IMMUNOCONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AND PEPTIDE OR POLYPEPTIDES FOR USE IN THESE METHODS

摘要

The production of anti-sera to small peptides or polypeptides which cross react with uteroglobin is disclosed giving rise to diagnostic and detection as well as immunocontraceptive methods. In particular, a method for controlling the fertility of a female mammal, especially a feral mammal such as wild rabbits, is described. This method comprises administering to a mammal a peptide or polypeptide which stimulates an immune response, said response including production of elements which bind uteroglobin and reduce fertility of said female mammal. Peptides or polypeptides which may be used in the method include peptides or polypeptides comprising (a) uteroglobin or a fragment thereof, a peptide or polypeptide derived from uteroglobin, or a variant or peptide mimetic of any of these, and (b) a carrier protein. This may be applied in a conventional vaccine formulation, including using viral vaccine vectors. Preferably, they are formulated into compositions which are suitable for oral administration. Novel peptide or polypeptides for use in the method, their production and other aspects are also described and claimed.