Serum Complement-Fixing Antibodies in Human Dental Caries

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The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM, and the parotid saliva concentration and secretion rate of IgA were examined in 130 subjects, and related to dental caries experience. Subjects were subdivided into an active caries (AC) group and a no-detectable caries (NDC) group. Positive correlations were found between the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF) and both serum IgA and IgG but not IgM. A significant positive correlation was also found in the NDC group between the concentration of IgA in parotid saliva and the DMF index, but no relationship was seen in the AC group. In the series as a whole, low caries experience was associated with larger volumes of parotid saliva secreted per minute, and a greater secretion rate of salivary IgA than was present in subjects of high caries experience. The results suggest that serum IgG and IgA levels reflect past caries experience, but that salivary IgA may contribute to defence against dental caries.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

Immunoglobulins in Parotid Saliva and Serum in Relation to Dental Caries in Man

Challacombe¹

1976

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“…Antibodies to S. mutans have been detected in hu man serum [Challacombe, 1974] and these can reach the gingival crevice via the crevicular fluid [Challa combe et al, 1978], Serum Ig has been demonstrated by IF staining in the apical plaque border on approxi mal tooth surfaces [Newman et al, 1979]. Emilson et al [1974] suggested that such host Ig could affect the reliability of the IF technique if it masked bacterial antigens.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Method for the Identification of Streptococcus mutans in Gingival Margin Plaque by Immunofluorescence

Bush

Challacombe

Newman³

1990

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A method was developed to identify Streptococcus mutans in natural dental plaque by indirect immunofluorescence staining, using a high-titred polyclonal antiserum raised against a serotype c strain of S. mutans followed by an FITC conjugate. Specificity was determined by staining 45 representative strains of plaque organisms, which demonstrated minimal cross-reactions. In vitro incubation of S. mutans NCTC 10449 films with a human serum containing antibodies to S. mutans and the presence of extracellular polysaccharide did not inhibit staining. The staining method enabled 98% of the streptococci to be detected in mixtures of S. mutans NCTC 10449 and Lactobacillus casei NCTC 10302. S. mutans was detected at a ratio of 1:100,000 in mixtures of pure cultures. In plaque samples, S. mutans could be distinguished from other organisms, including an unidentified cross-reacting bacillus found in some gingival plaque samples. The results suggest that immunofluorescence is a fast, practical method for identifying specific bacteria in plaque and, therefore, could be of use in microbiological studies of caries.

“…This inverse correlation has been interpreted as a protective effect of the IgG antibodies [Kennedy et ai., 1968;Challacombe et al, 1973;Challacombe, 1974;Lehner et al, 1978;Challacombe et al, 1984b], In some studies the opposite was found, i.e. higher serum IgG antibody activity in caries-active persons than in ca ries-free [Lehner etal., 1970;Huisin't Veld et al, 1979].…”

Section: Immunization Routes and Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Anticaries Vaccine: Report on the Status of Research

Krasse¹,

Emilson²,

Gahnberg³

1987

The state of the art of the research on a vaccine against dental caries has been reviewed. The subject has been analysed both from the biological and from the public health point of view. It is concluded that Streptococcus mutans plays a key role for the development of dental caries and that a vaccine directed against this microorganism could be a valuable adjunct to existing preventive measures in some countries. In others it could be a major public health measure. The unique characteristics of dental caries partly explain why a vaccine is not yet available. Protection against dental caries by immunization could be achieved by protective antibodies from serum, by IgA antibodies in saliva or by a combined effect of serum and salivary components. In rodents both peroral and parenteral immunization has provided protection against S. mutans infection and dental caries. In primates only parenteral immunization has given positive results. In humans peroral immunization has led to an increased salivary antibody activity in some studies but not in others. There is no conclusive evidence which shows that antibodies against S. mutans can influence dental caries activity in man. As structures on the cell surface of S. mutans cross-react with human tissue much work has been concentrated on identification of candidate antigens. Some of these have been purified and tested in vitro and in animal systems. Some protein antigens have given a clear-cut caries protection in primates and one of these has been produced in large amounts and is ready for testing in humans. Another candidate antigen, the enzyme complex called glucosyltransferase has shown protection in rodents and the effect of peroral administration of this antigen is now being tested in man. A considerable amount of knowledge has been obtained and the activity in the research area is high. Some groups have focused on basic immunology and have little understanding of the disease. In other groups the reverse is true. A consequence of this is that collaborative studies ought to be organized. By such studies key information about the possible role of antibodies in the development of dental caries in man could be obtained within a reasonable period of time.