Bratthall D, Köhler B
J Dent Res. 1976 Apr;55 Spec No:C15-21. doi: 10.1177/002203457605500308011.
For an immunologic point of view, several facts are worth consideration. S mutans can be separated into at least seven serotypes. Five of the types are based on antigens that may be specific for S mutans. One type, e, is related to the Lancefield group E streptocci, and one type, f, may lack an antigen that shows serological specificity. Analyses of plaque samples from individuals with a high caries activity have, in most instances, shown the presence of c, d, and possibly the g types. This does not necessarily mean that they are per se more cariogenic than the other types, but if all the serotypes cannot be combatted simultaneously, the c, d, and g types are an obvious first choice. S mutans strains do have antigens other than those used for serological identification, and it is not known which antigens can evoke antibodies with the highest protective capacity in humans. The phenomenon of antigenic shifts may make it possible for the bacteria to elude antibodies. However, the number of possible changes may be restricted. If certain antigens are of importance for the cariogenicity of S mutans, a change in their structure might result in a less cariogenic flora.
从免疫学角度来看，有几个事实值得考虑。变形链球菌至少可分为七种血清型。其中五种血清型是基于可能对变形链球菌具有特异性的抗原。一种血清型，即e型，与兰斯菲尔德E组链球菌有关，而一种血清型，即f型，可能缺乏具有血清学特异性的抗原。对高龋活性个体的菌斑样本分析在大多数情况下显示存在c型、d型，可能还有g型。这并不一定意味着它们本身比其他类型更具致龋性，但如果不能同时对抗所有血清型，c型、d型和g型显然是首选。变形链球菌菌株确实具有用于血清学鉴定之外的其他抗原，并且尚不清楚哪些抗原能在人类中引发具有最高保护能力的抗体。抗原变异现象可能使细菌能够逃避抗体。然而，可能的变化数量可能受到限制。如果某些抗原对变形链球菌的致龋性很重要，其结构的改变可能会导致致龋性较低的菌群。
