Monoclonal antibodies to human trophoblast and sperm antigens: report of two WHO-sponsored workshops, June 30, 1986--Toronto, Canada.

Two WHO-sponsored workshops were recently held to obtain a consensus view from researchers active in the field of reproductive immunology on the current status of the application of monoclonal antibodies to studies of molecular events underlying reproduction and to determine the feasibility of using this approach to identify trophoblast- or sperm-specific antigens that might represent suitable candidates for the development of antifertility vaccines. A total of 66 mouse monoclonal antibodies reacting with human sperm and 45 monoclonal antibodies reacting with human trophoblast membrane components were submitted by 29 laboratories. These were evaluated in coded form by 42 laboratories with the appropriate expertise in biochemistry, immunohistology and tests of reproductive cell function. The majority of both anti-sperm and anti-trophoblast monoclonal antibodies cross-reacted with cellular elements in non-reproductive tissues. However, at least five monoclonal antibodies (two anti-trophoblast and three anti-sperm) appeared to demonstrate sufficient specificity to warrant further investigation as reagents for the identification of antifertility vaccine candidates.