DNA Vaccine Targeting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor and Its Application in Animal Contraception.

Mol Biotechnol

Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1265 HC Morgan Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.

Published: February 2019

Overpopulation of free-roaming and wildlife animals negatively affects economy and public health in many parts of the world. Contraceptive vaccines are viewed as a valuable option for reducing numbers of unwanted animals. This study develops vaccines for potential use in animal contraception exploiting a DNA platform. Objectives of the study were to generate DNA constructs directed against gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), a crucial molecular player in animal reproduction, and characterize them for ability to promote immune responses and suppression of reproductive parameters in vivo. DNA constructs were created to encode for a recombinant protein composed of two domains: GnRHR, the target antigen, and ubiquitin (Ub), a support protein. Ub-GnRHR constructs administered intramuscularly or intradermally or containing different promoters were compared. CMV and EF1α promoters were shown to be superior to CAG. In fertility trials, mice immunized intradermally with Ub-GnRHR construct driven by EF1α had a significantly lower number of fetuses. Importantly, the impaired fertility was achieved with a single DNA immunization and without the use of adjuvants. The study demonstrated for the first time that targeting the GnRH receptor with DNA-based vaccines could be a viable option for animal contraception.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12033-018-0137-9DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

animal contraception
12
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
8
hormone receptor
8
dna constructs
8
dna
5
dna vaccine
4
vaccine targeting
4
targeting gonadotropin-releasing
4
receptor application
4
animal
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!