Antibody-mediated inhibition of dextran-sucrose-induced agglutination of Streptococcus mutans

Infect Immun. 1974 Feb;9(2):273-8. doi: 10.1128/iai.9.2.273-278.1974.

Abstract

Immune sera to strains of Streptococcus mutans were found to inhibit agglutination of bacterial suspensions to which either high-molecular-weight dextran or sucrose was added. This inhibitory activity was shown to be mediated by antibody of the immunoglobulin G class. A semiquantitative assay was developed which demonstrated cross-inhibition of dextran/sucrose-induced agglutination among several strains of S. mutans. Antiserum to a partially purified glucosyltransferase was found to lack agglutination inhibition activity, consistent with the hypothesis that the dextran-binding antigen detected by the assay is immunologically distinct from the glucan-synthetic enzyme. A model for glucan synthesis and binding consistent with the reported data is described.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Agglutination / drug effects
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dextrans / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Glucosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Immune Sera / pharmacology*
  • Immunodiffusion
  • Methods
  • Polysaccharides / biosynthesis
  • Streptococcus / drug effects*
  • Streptococcus / metabolism
  • Sucrose / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • Immune Sera
  • Polysaccharides
  • Sucrose
  • Glucosyltransferases