Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3 (ZP3)
- Target
- ZP3
- Molecular classification
- Structural glycoprotein, Extracellular matrix protein, Sperm receptor, Other
01
Overview
Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3 (ZP3) is a glycoprotein that forms a critical part of the zona pellucida, an extracellular matrix surrounding the oocyte in mammals. ZP3 acts as a primary receptor for sperm binding to the egg and is essential for inducing the acrosome reaction in sperm—a key step that enables sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida and achieve fertilization[1][3][4][5]. In humans, the zona pellucida contains four glycoproteins (ZP1–4), with ZP3 playing a central role in matrix assembly, sperm recognition, and fertilization. Mutations or dysfunction in ZP3 can lead to abnormal zona pellucida structure and infertility. No drugs currently target ZP3, though it has been explored as a target for immunocontraception.
- Other names
- Zona pellucida glycoprotein 3ZP3AZP3BZPCZp-3ZP3-424ZP3-372Zona pellucida protein COOMD3OZEMA3sperm receptorZona pellucida glycoprotein 3Bzona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable; no drugs targeting ZP3 are in clinical use. Experimental contraceptive vaccine strategies have aimed at antibody-mediated blockade of ZP3 function (immunocontraception).
03
Biological functions
Sperm binding to oocyteInduction of acrosome reaction in spermZona pellucida matrix formation and integrityPrevention of polyspermyFertilizationOogenesis
04
Disease associations
Female infertility (e.g. due to ZP3 mutation or abnormal zona pellucida formation)Other
05
Safety considerations
Autoimmune oophoritis risk if used as immunocontraceptive (due to immune targeting of oocyte proteins)Irreversible infertility if ZP3 function is ablatedLimited species specificity (some animal models have significant differences in ZP3 compared to humans, affecting translational research)
06
Biomarkers
Mutations in ZP3 serve as potential biomarkers for some forms of genetic female infertility
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3 (ZP3).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3 (ZP3).