Immunity to tooth decay

What is it about?

Immunity to the "mutans streptococci", which are the principal organisms associated with the initiation of dental caries (tooth decay) is provided largely by secretory IgA antibodies in the saliva. These antibodies are generated by the "common mucosal immune system". This system is functional in newborn infants, who develop salivary IgA antibodies as they become colonized by oral microorganisms. The mechanisms of action of salivary IgA antibodies include interference with sugar-independent and sugar-dependent attachment of mutans streptococci to tooth surfaces, as well as possible inhibition of metabolic activities. The goal of protecting infants against colonization by mutans streptococci might be accomplished by applying new strategies of oral immunization that would induce salivary IgA antibodies without the complications of conventional injected vaccines. Strategies of oral immunization against mutans streptococci currently under development include the use of proteins found on the surface of the bacteria, and an enzyme (glucosyltransferase) that utilizes sugar (sucrose) to generate a sticky adherent substance (glucan) as key antigens, which are being incorporated into novel oral vaccines. The oral application of preformed, genetically engineered antibodies to mutans streptococcal antigens also offers new prospects for passive immunization against dental caries.

Featured Image