The department is involved in research on the biochemical aspects of sperm and seminal plasma. Special emphasis is laid on the identification and characterization of sperm proteins with functional relevance that could be useful for development of male contraceptive vaccines or for diagnosis of infertility. Several sperm proteins have been identified and characterized, including hSPI, 80kDa HSA, Hoxbes2, 160kDa HIV sperm receptor. The R-17 hSPI peptide and peptides of 80kDa HSA are being evaluated for their probable development as male fertility regulating vaccinogens. We were the first to identify a CD4 independent HIV receptor on human sperm. The finding is important in elucidating the mode of entry of HIV in human sperms and vaginal epithelial cells.