Passive immunisation with serum and immunoglobulins against dental caries in rhesus monkeys
Lehner, T.; Russell, M.W.; Challacombe, S.J.; Scully, C.M.; Hawkes, J.E.
Lancet 1(8066): 693-695
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 76229 Document Number: 136722
Active immunization with Streptococcus mutans induced protection against dental caries in rhesus monkeys. This protection was associated with serum antibodies. Passive transfer of immune serum with IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to S. mutans failed to induce protection against dental caries. However, when separated IgG, IgM and IgA sera were given, IgG induced significant protection but IgA or IgM antibodies to S. mutans did not. IgA and IgM may compete or interfere with the protective effect of IgG antibodies. The ratio of IgG/IgA and IgG/IgM antibodies might be an important factor in immunization against dental caries.