Local and systemic antibody response to oral administration of glucosyltransferase antigen complex

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Abstract
The salivary and serum immune responses to orally administered glucosyltransferase antigen [Ag] complex from Streptococcus mutans strain 6715 were investigated in hamsters. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the antibody [Ab] quantity and isotype and a [14C]glucosyl-labeled sucrose incorporation assay was used to measure functional inhibition of the enzyme. Daily doses (21-27) of Ag administered in hamster oral cavities elicited salivary immunoglobulin [Ig] G and Ig Ab responses and functional inhibitory activity. The salivary response increased throughout the immunization procedure and the amount of salivary Ab was dependent upon the dose of Ag given. The salivary response to a 2nd oral administration of Ag for 4 days showed some features of anamnesis. The response after a 2nd Ag administration was detected sooner than the primary response and somewhat higher levels of Ab and inhibitory activity were observed. Serum Ab (IgG and IgM) and functional inhibitory responses were elicited by oral administration of the soluble enzyme Ag. These responses were lower than responses induced by local injections of Ag in complete Freund adjuvant. The ability to evoke a salivary immune response to the glucosyltransferase Ag complex may increase the potential of using this Ag in an effective caries vaccine.