Ding Yun, Ling Junqi, Chen Han
Conservative and Endodontic Department, College of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;21(5):353-5.
To investigate the antigenicity of the peptide vaccine HDS from Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferase and its ability to induce protective immune responses in an experimental rat model of dental caries.
Artificial antigen HDS-KLH, peptide HDS, glycosyltransferase were injected to immunize rats. Measurement of the specific anti-HDS, GTF IgG or IgA concentration in saliva and serum were undertaken by ELISA among the experimental groups. Gnotobiotic rat model was developed when challenged S. mutans and a caries promoting diet. The jaws of the rats were selected and dyed. The Keyes caries score for each jaw were counted.
The level of serum and salivary specific anti-HDS IgG and IgA in the group immunized by HDS-KLH was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The Keyes caries score of GTF, HDS and HDS-KLH immunized group were significantly lower than that of control group, especially lower in smooth tooth surface.
Artificial antigen HDS-KLH could induce immune response. As a peptide vaccine, HDS-KLH could reduce the caries incidence in experimental rat model.