Immunogenicity of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and spermatozoa YLP(12) peptides presented on Johnson grass mosaic virus-like particles.

For safer and effective immunocontraception, zona (ZP3) and spermatozoa specific (YLP(12)) peptides have been presented on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from Johnson grass mosaic virus coat protein. Immunization of FvB/cJ female mice with VLPs presenting YLP(12)-ZP3 fusion peptide and a physical mixture of VLPs presenting either YLP(12) or ZP3 epitope led to generation of specific antibody responses and a significant reduction in litters born per mice (p<0.005).