摘要：

This work is intended to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to theoretical and practical prospects of regulating fertility by manipulating immune mechanisms. The work begins with a general chapter on the immunological manipulation of reproduction which discusses immunization strategies the role of immunoregulation in the mammalian reproductive process the conceptus as an allograph and immunological manipulation of maternal recognition mechanisms. Historical aspects of the development of a fertility regulating vaccine its potential advantages criteria for antigen selection vaccine development strategy potential hazards and safety considerations are then considered. The following chapter considers possible candidates for an immunological method: immunity to non-pregnancy-associated hormones including experiments of nature and experimental immunization against hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; immunization against the placental hormones human placental lactogen and human chorionic gonadotropins; immunization against nonhormonal placental antigens; immunization against spermatozoal antigens including experimental immunization to sperm antigens methods for assessment of immunity to sperm autoimmunization against genital tract components in the human male isoimmunization in the human female against sperm antigens the biological significance of naturally occurring antisperm antibodies a rationale for the development of a sperm vaccine and strategy and safety considerations; immunization against the oocyte including immunity against ovarian components the zona pellucida as a potential target and strategy and safety considerations; and immunization against other antigens in reproduction including early pregnancy factor uterine antigens differentiation antigens of the conceptus and alpha fetoprotein. The final 2 chapters consider nonvaccine approaches and provide an overall perspective on the relevance of immunological methods to fertility regulation needs aspects of research and development clinical trials and future prospects.

展开