Vaccine, antibodies & antibody-containing compositions for inhibiting

Abstract

PLS antigens I and II are derived from the pili-like structures on the cell wall of Human type Streptococcus mutans of the serotypes c, e, f and g and the serotype d, respectively and capable of specifically inhibiting the adherence (infection) of the corresponding strains to the teeth of humans. These antigens are a kind of glycoprotein comprising protein (about 15-25%) and carbohydrates (about 75-85%) and have a molecular weight of about 60,000-90,000. It is possible to isolate these antigen by extracting the intact cells in a hypertonic buffer solution at a pH of 6-8 and at a temperature below the denaturing point of the antigenic protein and fractionating the resultant antigen from the extract thereby obtained. A non-cariogenic vaccine comprises as antigen PLS antigens I and/or II. Non-cariogenic antibodies may be obtained by immunizing a mammal with PLS antigens I and/or II to produce the corresponding antibodies in the body of the mammal and recovering the resultant antibodies from the mammal. Non-cariogenic compositions comprises an effective amount of antibodies to PLS antigens I and/or II in association with a pharmaceutical carrier or excipient which may preferably suitable for oral administration. Preferred compositions are exemplified by dentifrices, gargles, ice creams, chewing gums, candies and the like.