Cross-reactivity of Streptococcus mutans antigens and human heart tissue.
Rocket and two-dimensional immunoelectrophoreses were used to demonstrate that antisera from rabbits immunized with Streptococcus mutans strain B13 cross-reacted with human heart tissue. Absorption of the anti-S. mutans serum with S. mutans whole cells removed all reactivity to heart tissue, but did not remove the reactivity of an added antibody marker to its corresponding antigen. The anti-S. mutans serum reacted most intensely with heart tissue antigen and to a lesser degree with skeletal muscle, but not with liver or kidney tissues. These results support the conclusion that antigens of S. mutans cross-react with mammalian heart tissue and, further, suggest that caution should be exercised in the formulation of a dental caries vaccine containing S. mutans antigens.
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D000939:Epitopes; D006801:Humans; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D009206:Myocardium / Q000276:immunology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000276:immunology*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000939:Epitopes