Local passive immunization by monoclonal antibodies against streptococcal antigen I/II in the prevention of dental caries

Abstract

Local passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies (Mc Ab) to Streptococcus mutans was attempted as an alternative approach to active systemic immunization. We prepared an immunoglobulin G class Mc Ab to the cell surface protein determinant of streptococcal antigen I/II and applied it repeatedly to the teeth of rhesus monkeys. This resulted in decreased colonization by S. mutans in fissures and smooth surfaces of teeth and no dental caries, unlike the results in control animals, which developed caries and showed a high proportion of S. mutans on their teeth. There was no significant difference in serum, salivary, or gingival fluid antibodies to S. mutans between the two groups of animals. Any objections raised over systemic immunization inducing cross-reactive antibodies are therefore overcome by local passive immunization. The mechanism of prevention of colonization has not been established, but we postulate that the Mc Ab which is directed against an important cell surface antigenic determinant of S. mutans (streptococcal antigen I/II) prevents adherence of S. mutans to the acquired pellicle on the tooth surface. S. mutans reacts with the Mc Ab and becomes opsonized, phagocytosed, and killed by the local gingival traffic of neutrophils.

Role of peptide antigen for induction of inhibitory antibodies toStreptococcus mutansin human oral cavity

“…Wallengren et al [52] indicated that the level of salivary antibody response differs among genetically different individuals. Some investigators have also reported a relationship between HLA and caries susceptibility [53][54][55], as well as associations between HLA class II genes and mS and/or LB [23,27,52,56]. Further, Acton et al demonstrated that DR-4 might have a part in controlling dental caries and that DRB1-4 allele frequencies in African-American women were positively associated with S. mutans level [56].…”

Comparison of immunological and microbiological characteristics in children and the elderly with or without dental caries

“…Secretory IgA helps to prevent bacterial adherence, reduce hydrophobicity, and to inactivate bacterial enzymes and toxins (8,9). Specific antibodies against S. mutans have been found to be effective in the inhibition of the adhesion of S. mutans and in the formation of caries in different animal models (10,11). The application of monoclonal antibodies against AgI/II or other antigens of S. mutans as passive immunotherapy was demonstrated, by MA et al and other researchers, to be effective in decreasing, and even eliminating, the colonization of S. mutans in humans (12,13).…”

Passive Immunization

“…Another approach is the use of mAbs against the cell surface antigen I/II (SAI/II) adhesion molecule of Str. mutans (Lehner et al, 1985;Ma et al, 1987Ma et al, , 1989Ma et al, , 1990. Human volunteers receiving a treatment consisting of oral chlorhexidine disinfection followed by repeated topical applications of anti-AgI/II mAb (Guy's 13) onto the teeth showed a lack of re-colonization by indigenous Str.…”