Immune chemistry of ASA

Abstract

Immune chemistry of antisperm antibody (ASA) encompasses all the types of antisperm antibody reactions in humans that are ontogenically driven by (a) natural antibodies, (b) prepubertally derived ASA due to testicular failure, (c) adult ASA in males and females, and (d) carbohydrate-mediated epitopes. Both sexes (with exception of boys before puberty) present active immune tolerance to male gametes which allows to resume a natural intercourse as well as permanent gamete differentiation in spermatogenesis. Natural antibodies are developed as a part of immune history of the individual but they are also essential elements of innate immunity in both sexes. ASA developed before puberty are well characterized by proteomic approach and deserve more attention. ASA reactions in males and females are fairly well studied while carbohydrate-mediated chemistry of ASA activity is still a complex issue under study. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.