Main description:

This book offers comprehensive coverage of both basic and clinical aspects of immune reactions responsible for infertility. It has four sections focusing on Sperm antigens, Antisperm antibodies (ASAs), Clinical impact of ASAs, and Immune contraception, and include contributions from leading experts in these fields. This new edition of the book offers a comprehensive update that reflects the very significant advances in reproductive immunology that have been achieved over the past five years, especially related to the sperm proteome, sperm-egg binding/fusion proteins, gene knockout studies, and immunocontraception. Reproductive immunology continues to be a fast-growing discipline in which new knowledge is emerging almost every day. Immune Infertility is a model source of vital and reliable information on the latest scientific developments in the field. It will be of value for clinicians, scientists, students, residents, and fellows working in reproductive biology, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology.

Contents:

Part I Sperm antigens: Proteomics of spermatozoa.- Sperm surface proteome.- Methods of Analysis of Sperm Antigens Related to Fertility.- Sperm functions influenced by immune reactions.- Part II Antisperm antibodies (ASA): The immune privilege of the testis.- Immune chemistry of ASA.- Sperm-specific T cells.- Site and risk factors of ASA production.- Biologic substrates containing ASA.- ASA in the female.- Sperm immobilising ASA.- Part III The clinical impact of sperm antibodies: Autoimmune infertility.- Tests for sperm antibodies.- Impact on fertility outcome.- Sperm antibodies and assisted reproduction.- Treatment of immune infertility.- Part IV Immune contraception: Immunization with Sperm Antigens to Induce Contraception.- Immune contraception in wildlife animals.- Experience from Clinical Trials with Fertility Control Vaccines.