Biochemical property and immunogenicity of mouse male reproductive tract CD52 (mrt-CD52)

Male reproductive tract CD52 (mrt-CD52) is known to be a pathogenic antigen for immunological infertility. Although human CD52 has been extensively investigated, the properties of mouse CD52 are not well elucidated. This study was conducted, therefore, to examine the tissue distribution, molecular composition and immunogenicity of mouse mrt-CD52. Immunohistological studies with an antibody to a synthetic peptide showed that mouse CD52 was localized mainly in the cauda epididymis and vas deferens, but not in the testis, liver, kidney or spleen. The molecule was composed of Asn (N)-linked and The/Ser (O)-linked carbohydrates as well as a glycosylphosphatidyl (GPI) anchor portion. Purified mrt-CD52 preparations produced antibodies by subcutaneous and intranasal immunization in both male and female mice. These antisera showed sperm-immobilizing activities with complement to mouse sperm. The research indicated mouse CD52 had similar biochemical and immunological properties to human CD52. This animal experiment is a good model for investigating human mrt-CD52 antibody detected in infertile patients.