Local response in rat to liposome-associated Streptococcus mutans polysaccharide-protein conjugate.

The effect of gastric intubation with soluble or liposome-associated Streptococcus mutans serovar polysaccharide, 74-kDa saliva receptor (74K SR protein) or polysaccharide-74K SR protein conjugate on the locally induced salivary IgA response and memory in rats was investigated. Animals immunized on four successive days with soluble antigens showed a weak salivary anti-74K SR protein or anti-polysaccharide IgA response. Rats primed and boosted by a single injection of liposome-associated 74K SR protein or polysaccharide-74K SR protein conjugate developed a salivary anti-74K SR protein IgA and IgG primary and secondary response. A primary anti-polysaccharide response was only observed in saliva of animals immunized with either high concentration of liposome-associated polysaccharide or liposome-associated polysaccharide-74K SR protein conjugate. However, a secondary local anti-polysaccharide IgA response was detected in animals boosted with liposome-polysaccharide-74K SR protein conjugate. No such anamnestic response was seen when high dose of liposome-associated polysaccharide was used to boost the animals. Furthermore, the salivary anti-polysaccharide IgA response paralleled the anti-74K SR protein IgA response. These studies showed that intragastric immunization of rats with liposome-associated polysaccharide-74K SR protein conjugate produced a local anti-polysaccharide IgA memory.