Application of a gene vaccine targeting HER-2/neu in immunocontraception

DNA Cell Biol. 2004 Dec;23(12):807-14. doi: 10.1089/dna.2004.23.807.

Abstract

HER-2/neu was widely used as a target for tumor prevention and therapy because of its overexpression in many tumors. However, it also plays an important role in proliferation of endometrium, embryo implantation, and development. Here, HER-2/neu was used in immunocontraception. A gene vaccine encoding the extracellular domain of human HER-2/neu was constructed. After immunization, it especially elicited both humoral and cellular responses in mice. Embryo implantation was interfered by intravenous and intraluminal injection of anti-HER-2/neu serum or lymphocytes. Lower fertility was induced after vaccination when compared with the control groups, while injuries to the uterus and ovary were not observed. Our results suggested a new and impactful target for contraceptive vaccines development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Contraception, Immunologic*
  • Embryo Implantation / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / immunology*
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology*

Substances

  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Receptor, ErbB-2