The State of the Science of Immunization against Dental Caries

What is it about?

This review summaries a presentation given at the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA), 50th anniversary congress, Konstanz, Germany, July 2003. Studies performed in numerous laboratories over several decades have demonstrated the feasibility of immunizing experimental rodents or primates with protein antigens derived from Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus sobrinus against the development of dental caries. Protection has been attributed to salivary IgA antibodies which can inhibit the accumulation of cariogenic "mutans streptococci" on tooth surfaces. Strategies of mucosal immunization have been developed to induce high levels of salivary antibodies that can persist for prolonged periods. Studies in humans show that salivary antibodies to mutans streptococci can be induced by similar vaccination approaches. Passively administered preformed antibodies can also suppress oral colonization by mutans streptococci. Progress towards practical vaccine development will require evaluation of candidate vaccines in clinical trials.

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