Immune response in humans to a nasal boost with Streptococcus mutans antigens

Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2006 Oct;21(5):309-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-302X.2006.00302.x.

Abstract

We previously reported that a Streptococcus mutans enriched-glucosytransferase (E-GTF) preparation induces an immune response following intranasal, but not tonsillar, immunization of humans. In this study, we determined whether intranasal immunization of these subjects 2 years later resulted in augmented immune responses compared to those seen in control subjects. Subjects previously immunized via the intranasal (IN, n = 7) or tonsillar (IT, n = 7) route and control (n = 12) subjects were immunized via the intranasal route with E-GTF. Nasal wash, saliva, and serum were collected before immunization and then weekly for 3 months after immunization. Significant (P < 0.05) mucosal and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-E-GTF responses were observed in all three groups. Nasal and serum IgA anti-E-GTF responses were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the IN group. The salivary responses in the three groups were, in general, similar. These results indicate that intranasal immunization primes the immune system for a localized secondary response to S. mutans antigens.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Antigens, Bacterial / administration & dosage*
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Glycosyltransferases / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary* / methods
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Streptococcal Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Streptococcus mutans / enzymology
  • Streptococcus mutans / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Streptococcal Vaccines
  • Glycosyltransferases