Abstract
Abstract In the present study, we have assessed the effect of gastric intubation of various S. mutans antigens (both particulate and soluble) to gnotobiotic rats on inducing salivary IgA antibody responses which are protective against S. mutans -induced dental caries, and the ability of oral adjuvants to enhance these responses. S. mutans particulate antigens (e.g., whole cells or soluble antigens incorporated into liposomes) are much better oral immunogens than soluble antigen forms for the induction of mucosal immunity to S. mutans infection. Furthermore, these immune responses were enhanced by the incorporation of adjuvants, such as muramyl dipeptide, into the oral vaccine. Evidence is presented that S. mutans serotype carbohydrate or a ribosomal preparation, when incorporated into liposomes and given by gastric intubation to gnotobiotic rats induces good salivary IgA responses and caries protection. An oral vaccine containing S. mutans glucosyltransferase induced the highest IgA antibody response which correlated with complete protection against S. mutans -induced dental caries. Additional studies with other S. mutans antigens will establish the nature of the antigen(s) most important for the development of an oral vaccine protective against dental caries for use in humans.
Published Version
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