Immunogenicity of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and spermatozoa YLP peptides presented on Johnson grass mosaic virus-like particles

Abstract

For safer and effective immunocontraception, zona (ZP3) and spermatozoa specific (YL_P12) peptides have been presented on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from Johnson grass mosaic virus coat protein. Immunization of FvB/cJ female mice with VLPs presenting YLP₁₂-ZP3 fusion peptide and a physical mixture of VLPs presenting either YLP₁₂ or ZP3 epitope led to generation of specific antibody responses and a significant reduction in litters born per mice (p < 0.005). Significant curtailment of fertility was also observed in animals immunized with adjuvnated ZP3 and YLP₁₂ synthetic peptides. These results suggest that VLPs can be used to present gamete epitopes for immunocontraception.