Introduction

Infertility affects about 15% of couples worldwide. The present invention concerns the use of antibodies against PLAC1 protein as biomarkers of infertility, a diagnostic kit for the detection of the immune response against PLAC1 and the use of PLAC1 protein in therapeutic and contraceptive fields.

Technical features

We designed the platforms to monitor anti-PLAC1 immune response since the protein has several unique features: placenta-specific expression, localized to the surface, pivotal role in pregnancy, accessible for antibodies, immunogenic. We found higher levels of anti-PLAC1 antibodies (Elisa method) associated with repeated implantation failure. A test to detect anti-PLAC1 antibodies could be recommended upfront by clinicians to all women before considering any therapy (e.g. in vitro fertilization). This could contribute to clarify the pathogenesis of infertility and to improve the initial diagnostic work up offered to infertile couples (and possibly the therapy). PLAC1 protein could be possibly used to immunize animals in order to induce infertility when needed.

Possible Applications

• Clinical evaluation of infertile women before considering any therapy (e.g. in vitro fertilization);
• Immunization of animals in order to induce infertility when needed.

Advantages

• A new and important biomarker associated with infertility and repeated implantation failure;
• Possibility to improve the initial diagnostic work up offered to infertile couples (and possibly the therapy).