An experimental study to decipher the implications of antigenic sharing between Proteus mirabilis and mouse spermatozoa in eliciting an antisperm immune response: A potential culprit in immune infertility

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289989
• Publication Date: 2023-12-07T18:27:40Z
• Authors: Thomson Soni; Ishwerpreet Kaur ...; Seema Kumari; Vijay Prabha
• Keywords: Isothermal Titration Calorimetry

The present study aims to investigate the antigenic cross reactivity between receptor from Proteus mirabilis and spermatozoa against a common sperm immobilization factor, SIF, by calorimetric competitive inhibition studies, immunogenicity of this evoke formation antisperm antibodies their subsequent role in fertility outcome. binding (PM-SBR) was extracted ultrasonicated cell debris treating it for 12 h at 37°C with 1 M NaCl. After being purified gel permeation chromatography, its molecular weight as determined SDS-PAGE observed be ≈ 47 kDa. detrimental impacts Sperm immobilizing factor (SIF) on viz. motility, viability, morphology were mitigated when SIF preincubated various concentrations PM-SBR. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, entropy SIF-PM-SBR interaction found -18.31 kJ/mol, whereas free energy 28.4 J/mol K. FTIR analysis used evaluate interactions PM-SBR SIF. In addition, mice that administered unable conceive, contrast Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or pre-immunization serum controls. light this, we may conclude anti-PM-SBR act anti-sperm antibodies. Our work mimicry cause immune reactivity. As result an immunological response PM-SBR, infected individuals produce epitope similar one which helps developing new strategies managing autoimmune responses infertility.