Immunocontraception in rodents: a review of the development of a sperm-based immunocontraceptive vaccine for the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Abstract

The strategy for developing contraceptive vaccines for wild rodents will depend on the species. In rats and mice, high all-year birth rates, high levels of dispersal and promiscous mating systems suggest that, if immunocontraception was used alone, > 90% of the population would have to sterilized to achieve the desired control. In Britain, the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) may be a better candidate to investigate the feasibility of a contraceptive vaccine in rodents. This introduced species is a seasonal breeder with a much lower population turnover than rats or mice. As well as causing damage to woodland, it has ousted the native red squirrel (S. valgaris) from most of the UK. A human and selective method for the control of grey squirrels is therefore highly desirable. Numerous sperm-specific antigens have been identified on rodent spermatozoa. Monoclonal antibodies to particular components block sperm-egg interactions in laboratory animals and cross-react with grey squirrel spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization assays indicate that squirrel sperm-egg binding may be inhibited also. Currently, a cDNA library obtained from grey squirrel testis is being screened to identify genes encoding specific sperm antigens involved in fertilization. Methods of enhancing immunogenicity after oral immunization using microparticle carriers and immune-stimulating complexes are currently under investigation.