Gamete Immunology

This book describes the biology, diagnosis, treatment and the latest  research on anti-sperm antibody (ASA) and anti-zona pellucida antibody  (AZPA) produced in some infertile patients. It summarizes ASA in both  men and women, and presents new research to serve as a guideline for  medical treatment, which currently varies considerably. It also  discusses the recently identified target antigens of these antibodies,  and the latest immunocontraceptive development projects. The book  features chapters on AZPA explaining the biological structure and  function of the zona pellucida, and describing the abnormality and the  antibody. It also provides insights into their evolution, presenting the  differences in taxonomy, mammalian physiological functions and the  morphologically and immunologically unique human zona pellucida.

Gamete  Immunology is a valuable resource for researchers, and postdocs who are  curious about new research on ASA and AZPA. It offers clinicians and  embryologists who are interested in gamete immunology diverse  perspectives as well as the basis for new ideas to treat the antibodies  and develop contraceptive vaccinogens.