Commensal Streptococcus mitis is a unique vector for oral mucosal vaccination
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Nada Daifalla1, Mark J Cayabyab1, Emily Xie1
1The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, United states.
Abstract:
The development of vaccine approaches that induce mucosal and systemic immune responses is critical for the effective prevention of several infections. Here, we report on the use of the abundant human oral commensal bacterium Streptococcus mitis as a delivery vehicle for mucosal immunization. Using homologous recombination we generated a stable rS. mitis expressing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein (Ag85b). Oral administration of rS. mitis in gnotobiotic piglets resulted in efficient oral colonization and production of oral and systemic anti-Ag85b specific IgA and IgG antibodies. These results support that the commensal S. mitis is potentially a useful vector for mucosal vaccination.
Related Concept Videos
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Vaccinations
Development of the Oral Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

