Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10129230 | Theriogenology | 2018 | 31 Pages |
Abstract
SpayVac® is an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on porcine zona pellucida (pZP) antigens and uses a patented liposome formulation (VacciMax⢠or DepoVax®). It has delivered single-dose, long-lasting (4-10 years) immunocontraception in several species. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between levels of pZP antibodies produced and contraceptive effect; however, individual mares that were consistently infertile did not necessarily have the highest antibody titers. The objective of this study was to identify potential differences in specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype responses among mares treated with SpayVac (VacciMax formulation) to improve our understanding of vaccine efficacy and potential management applications. We analyzed serum samples collected 1, 2 and 4 years post-vaccination from mares in another study that were continuously infertile or had foaled at least once during the 4-year period (nâ¯=â¯14 each). Additional samples from the continuously infertile mares were collected 5 years post-vaccination. A fluorescent bead-based assay was used to distinguish IgG isotype responses against pZP. IgG1 antibodies were generally higher in the infertile compared to the fertile mares, but only IgG4/7 antibodies were significantly higher in infertile mares during years 1 and 2 post-vaccination (pâ¯<â¯0.05). Interestingly, IgG4/7 isotype levels were significantly higher during year 5 compared to year 4 in the continuously infertile mares (pâ¯<â¯0.02). SpayVac's ability to preferentially stimulate IgG4/7 antibodies may contribute to its long-term immunocontraceptive efficacy, and measuring IgG4/7 isotypes may help differentiate effectively contracepted mares from those that may need additional vaccination.
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Authors
Ursula Bechert, Jennifer Rohde, Heather Freer, Bettina Wagner,