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Modification of experimental Porphyromonas gingivalis murine infection by immunization with a polysaccharide-protein
R E Schifferle1, P B Chen, L B Davern
1Department of Oral Biology, Periodontology and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Abstract:
To better understand the role of the capsular polysaccharide in the virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the effect of immunization with a polysaccharide-protein conjugate on experimental murine infection was evaluated. The conjugate was prepared using polysaccharide isolated from P. gingivalis strain ATCC 53977 and bovine serum albumin. One group of 22 mice was immunized by intraperitoneal injection with the conjugate and a control group of 25 mice was similarly immunized with bovine serum albumin. Serum antibody reactive to the polysaccharide, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was elevated in the group of mice immunized with the polysaccharide-protein conjugate but not in the mice immunized with bovine serum albumin. Both groups of mice were challenged with P. gingivalis strain ATCC 53977 (10(10) cells) administered subcutaneously on the dorsal surface. Following challenge, the mice immunized with the polysaccharide-protein conjugate appeared healthier and demonstrated less weight loss than did the control group of mice. Ulcerative lesions at secondary locations were smaller in mice immunized with the polysaccharide-protein conjugate. Thus, immunization of mice with a conjugate containing P. gingivalis polysaccharide could reduce the severity of but not prevent an invasive infection with P. gingivalis.
Insights
Immunizing mice with a Porphyromonas gingivalis polysaccharide-protein conjugate reduced infection severity and weight loss. This P. gingivalis vaccine strategy showed promise in mitigating disease but did not prevent invasive infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
- The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of P. gingivalis is implicated in its virulence.
- Understanding CPS role is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a P. gingivalis polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine in a murine infection model.
- To assess the impact of immunization on P. gingivalis-induced disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A conjugate vaccine was prepared using P. gingivalis ATCC 53977 CPS and bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Mice were immunized with the conjugate or BSA (control).
- Humoral immune response was measured by ELISA; mice were challenged with P. gingivalis, and clinical outcomes (weight, lesions) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Immunization with the P. gingivalis conjugate induced significant serum antibody responses against the CPS.
- Mice receiving the conjugate vaccine exhibited reduced weight loss and smaller ulcerative lesions post-challenge compared to controls.
- The conjugate vaccine lessened the severity of experimental P. gingivalis infection.
Conclusions:
- Immunization with a P. gingivalis polysaccharide-protein conjugate can confer partial protection against invasive infection.
- This approach may be a viable strategy for reducing P. gingivalis-associated disease severity.
- Further research is warranted to develop a fully protective P. gingivalis vaccine.