Effect of specific antisera upon Streptococcus mutans adherence to saliva-coated hydroxylapatite |
| |
Authors: | C.W.I. Douglas R.R.B. Russell |
| |
Affiliation: | Royal College of Surgeons of England, Dental Research Unit, Downe, Orpington, Kent, U.K. |
| |
Abstract: | Abstract IgG fractions of antisera against Streptococcus mutans cell-surface protein antigens A and B were used to examine the role of these molecules in adherence to saliva-coated hydroxylapatite. Anti-B antibody inhibited S. mutans adherence by 20–50% depending upon the strain used, while anti-A antibody was without effect. Some IgG-mediated agglutination of cells occurred in the course of these experiments which was overcome by using Fab fragments prepared from the anti-A and anti-B IgG's. Anti-B Fab inhibited S. mutans adherence by 50% but anti-A Fab had no effect. These observations suggest that antigen B is an important factor in the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxylapatite. |
| |
Keywords: | Streptococcus mutans adherence saliva-coated hydroxylapatite cell surface proteins antibody effects |
|