Caries Development in Children in Relation to the Presence of Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque and of Serum Antibodies against Whole Cells and Protein Antigen I/II of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Twenty-eight children, aged 0.8–3.8 years, were studied with respect to the presence of mutans streptococci (MS) in dental plaque and the amount and avidity of specific serum IgG and IgM antibodies against whole cells and streptococcal protein antigen I/II (SA I/II) of Streptococcus mutans. The presence or absence of MS in dental plaque at the median age of 1.9 years predicted the caries development during a 2.7-year follow-up period with a sensitivity and specificity of 73 and 92%, respectively. The caries predictive value of a positive finding of MS at this age was as high as 92%. Almost all children had detectable amounts of serum IgG and IgM antibodies against whole cells and SA I/II of S. mutans, irrespective of the presence of detectable levels of this bacterium in dental plaque. These antibodies increased with age. The antibody levels did not differ significantly between children who were MS-negative or MS-positive. However, in MS-free children as well as in the whole study group, total specific and high-avidity antibodies of IgG class against whole cells correlated positively with antibodies against SA I/II. In MS-infected children such an association was observed for IgM but not for IgG antibodies. This different serum antibody profile in MS-negative and -positive children may be related to the mode of immunization with S. mutans.

Immunogenicity and In Vitro and In Vivo Protective Effects of Antibodies Targeting a Recombinant Form of the Streptococcus mutans P1 Surface Protein

“…S. mutans strains (UA159, NG8, or P1-deficient mutant strain PC3370) were grown in Todd-Hewitt broth or in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, each supplemented with 0.3% yeast extract, at 37°C in 5% CO 2 (5,33,34). E. coli (CG14) and B. subtilis (1012 or LDV701) strains were grown aerobically at 37°C with constant shaking in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth (29,35). Cultures were supplemented with antibiotics as needed.…”

“…We provide evidence that adjuvants modulate the immune system to improve the quantity, and particularly the quality, of the host antibody response against S. mutans P1. Since serum IgG, which enters the oral cavity via the gingival crevice (21,(27)(28)(29), as well as salivary IgA (2, 4) contribute to immune protection against caries, the search for vaccine formulations allowing concomitant activation of a mucosal response is a priority. In addition, it may be possible to improve efficacy further by incorporation of relevant C-terminal target sequences that correspond to the second known adhesive domain of P1 (15,16,37), in conjunction with appropriate adjuvants and delivery vectors.…”

“…These findings highlight the need for an understanding of the immunological, structural, and functional characteristics of P1 39 -512 as an alternative to the full-length protein as a target antigen to generate protective immunity against dental caries. In addition, the observation that systemic IgG enters the oral cavity via the gingival crevice and confers protection to dental caries suggests that parenteral routes should also be tested for potential anticaries vaccines (21,(27)(28)(29).…”

Effects of Xylitol Wipes on Cariogenic Bacteria and Caries in Young Children

“…Children with early MS colonization have a higher risk of developing caries than those with later colonization or none at all (Alaluusua and Renkonen, 1983;Tenovuo et al, 1990). Therefore, prevention or delay of MS and LB colonization may be advantageous for the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC).…”

Secretory Immunity in Defense against Cariogenic Mutans Streptococci

“…It was concluded that serum IgG has the potential to modulate oral colonization with plaque-forming microorganisms during tooth emergence through the gingiva. Similarly, others have found that serum IgG antibodies to S. mutans antigens, including AgI/II, in young children are associated with subsequent diminished incidence of caries [Tenovuo et al, 1990;Camling et al, 1991].…”