Identification of IgG and Fc-Binding Proteins in Human Seminal Plasma and Sperm

Abstract

Human seminal plasma contains two novel soluble proteins capable of binding IgG and Fc, but not Fab. The IgG- and Fc-binding proteins were identified by immunoblotting using IgG of various species, Fc and Fab fragments. Their estimated molecular sizes are 16-kD and 20-kD. The monoclonal antibody (MAb), Leu llb, raised against FcγRIII interacts with the 16-kD protein, whereas other mAbs (32.2, IV. 3, and 3G8) raised against FcR did not. The 16-kD protein is capable of binding IgG of several species (human, mouse, rabbits, and goat), whereas the 20-kD protein interacted only with human IgG-Fc fragment. The 16-kD IgG and the 20-kD Fc-binding proteins were found in the PBS extract of human sperm. Human seminal plasma/sperm contain an IgG- and a Fc-binding protein with estimated Mr of 16 and 20 kD, respectively.

Key Words:

• Sperm
• Seminal plasma
• Fc receptors
• Immunoglobulins.