Antibody fragments targeting ovarian receptors to control reproduction

Hormones are largely used to control reproduction, manage family planning and to treat certain endocrine diseases. For instance, progestin pills are steroid hormone-based drugs administered to block ovulation, mitigate symptoms of diseases such as endometriosis, support pregnancy and induce abortion. In assisted reproduction, peptidic hormones named gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing factors serve to synchronize and simulate the maturation of multiple oocytes. However, hormonal treatments have limitations and side effects. The aim of this project is to engineer biological compounds based on nano-antibody fragments (VHH), to block or enhance the signal delivered by natural hormones in the ovary. This system is based on candidate VHH that may target ovarian hormone receptors and, acting as allosteric modulators, selectively trigger the desired downstream intracellular responses. This new approach could provide a long lasting and reversible modulation with fewer or no side effects compared to hormonal treatments. Thus, it is promising to change current approaches to assisted reproduction and contraception.