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16:56
Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Humans immunized with Streptococcus mutans antigens by mucosal routes
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0007, USA. nkc@uab.edu
Journal of Dental Research
|February 1, 2002
Summary
Nasal immunization with Streptococcus mutans antigens effectively stimulates salivary immune responses against dental caries. This study found nasal administration superior to tonsillar routes for inducing protective mucosal immunity in adults.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Immunology
- Preventive dentistry
Background:
- Strategies to prevent Streptococcus mutans infection and dental caries often involve mucosal immunization.
- Inducing salivary anti-S. mutans responses is a key goal for caries prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of nasal versus tonsillar immunization with S. mutans antigens.
- To evaluate the induction of salivary immune responses following different immunization routes.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one adult subjects received two topical immunizations with an enriched glucosyltransferase preparation (E-GTF) via nasal or tonsillar spray.
- Parotid saliva, nasal wash, and serum were collected pre- and post-immunization for 3 months.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure anti-E-GTF activity.
Main Results:
- Nasal immunization resulted in significantly higher anti-E-GTF activity in saliva and nasal washes compared to tonsillar immunization.
- The findings indicate a more robust mucosal immune response with the nasal route.
Conclusions:
- Nasal immunization is more effective than tonsillar immunization in adults for inducing salivary immune responses against S. mutans.
- This suggests nasal immunization is a promising strategy for preventing dental caries.
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