Ontogeny and Senescence of Salivary Immunity

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the capacity for secretory immune responses throughout life. This was done by measuring, by single radial immunodiffusion, the concentrations of IgA and IgA1 subclass in saliva samples of subjects who ranged in age from two months to 91 years. The presence of salivary IgA antibodies to two nearly ubiquitous mucosal antigens, Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase (GTF) and killed poliovirus (Types 1, 2, and 3), was measured in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in this population. Whole saliva from 2-5-month-old infants contained significantly less IgA than did parotid saliva of any adult group. Also, a significantly higher proportion of the total salivary IgA was IgA1 in infants' saliva than was found in parotid saliva of adults. Salivary IgA and IgA1 subclass levels in parotid saliva of young and old (70-91 years) adults did not differ. Salivary IgA antibody levels to GTF were negligible in most saliva samples of children less than five years old, while 40% of children older than one year had detectable levels of salivary antibody to poliovirus (PV). This differences between response to GTF and PV antigens may reflect differences in antigenic challenge. Parotid saliva of the oldest group (70-91 years) had narrowly distributed and uniformly low levels of IgA antibody to both antigens. Since their IgA immunoglobulin levels were the same as in younger adults, the low antibody levels in this oldest group may be associated with changes in the number or function of T or B lymphocytes or antigen-processing cells, and/or may result from diminished levels of challenge with these antigens.

Immune System Dysfunction in the Elderly

“…The mucus membranes of hair cells, which play an important role in removing pathogens, are reduced in quantity and movement, as well as presenting ultra structural changes (Kim et al 2007). Immunoglobulin (Ig) A, the main constituent in secretions, levels increase up to 60 years old and thereafter a significant reduction in levels begins (Jafarzadeh et al 2010, Smith et al 1987, Ebersole and Steff en 1989. Therefore, structural and physiologic changes occur as a consequence of intrinsic aging combined with the environment can produce a marked susceptibility to dermatologic disorders in the elderly.…”

An Organic Field-effect Transistor with an Extended-gate Electrode Capable of Detecting Human Immunoglobulin A

“…However, low levels of IgA in saliva are known as a factor in infectious diseases such as upper respiratory infection. 35 In addition, it has also been reported that IgA levels in saliva could be decreased by psychological stress. [14][15][16][17] Hence, the fabricated OFET device could be applied for the monitoring of IgA levels for these health conditions in humans.…”

A Single-Bead Analysis on a Disk-shaped Microfluidic Device Using an Antigen-immobilized Bead

“…Therefore, a lower concentration of sIgA in saliva has been conceptualized as a risk factor for upper respiratory infection in children and the elderly. 20,21 Also, the value remarkably decreases under mental stress. The calibration curve of the standard sIgA from the lab-on-a-Disk for EIA is shown in Fig.…”