Jyotsana Dwivedi, Sachdev Yadav
Abstract
Immunocontraception is one of youngest branch of immunology and represents the novel approach to the development of family planning methods. Investigations on Immunocontraception field endure in last hundred years due to revolutionary advancement was made with apparition of genetic, molecular biology and reproductive immunology. Such products would have many advantages over existing contraceptives in that they would not elicit metabolic disturbances, would provide long-acting (i.e. 6 to 12 months) protection from pregnancy and can be used by either men or women. Several lines of research and development currently in progress are aimed at the development of safe and effective immunocontraceptives based on reproductive hormones, components of the gametes (sperm and ova) and products of the early pre-implantation concepts. Antigenic basis of the first contraception vaccine was whole cells or tissue extracts, so that the most important antigen of the vaccines was not been precisely defined. There are several advancement of Immunocontraception relating classical approach in problems of contraceptives.
Recent developments in immunocontraceptions are the possibility of controlling fertility by antibodies inactivating key reproductive hormones has been amply demonstrated by active and passive immunization in primates. The further development, manufacture and distribution of immunocontraceptives will probably require the collaboration of public sector agencies, governments and industry in order to overcome the current paucity of effort being put into the development and provision of new, safe, effective and acceptable methods of family planning. The purpose of this review is to provide information on the current status of research and development of potential immunocontraceptives and to attempt to stimulate pharmaceutical companies to reassess their positions with regard to the development, manufacture and distribution of these products.
Keywords: Immunology, Contraceptives, Antigen, Vaccines, Immunization,.