Immune response in humans to a nasal boost with Streptococcus mutans antigens.
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.
Childers
N K
NK
School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA. nkc@uab.edu
Li
F
F
Dasanayake
A P
AP
Li
Y
Y
Kirk
K
K
Michalek
S M
SM
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016695:Glycosyltransferases / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary / Q000379:methods; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D022541:Streptococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D022541:Streptococcal Vaccines; D016695:Glycosyltransferases