Today, Cambridge scientists (United Kingdom) published a study in the scientific journal, Nature, highlighting the role of two proteins, namely Izuma and Juno, in the fertilisation process. This paves the way for medically assisted procreation for women presenting with fertility problems and for masculine contraception.

The scientists are now focusing on women with fertility problems in order to establish whether weakness in the Juno receptor could be responsible for infertility. In this case, genetic screening would confirm the origin of the problem in women and MAP treatment could be adapted accordingly. From the masculine perspective, if Izumo is essential for fusion between the gametes, then this protein could pave the way for a contraceptive vaccine.