FIGURE 19.16.

Sperm antibody binding sites and effects.

The principal sequelae of antibody binding to spermatozoa are: (1) activation of immune cells against the sperm via complement or through interaction with immunoglobulin Fc receptors on phagocytes leading to cytotoxicity; (2) blocking or interfering with surface recognition molecules, in particular the egg binding receptors in the postacrosomal region; and (3) agglutination caused by cross-linking of sperm by multivalent antibody which may impede the ability of sperm to swim freely in the female tract.