Today's News

July 2, 2001

New antigen advances dental caries vaccine research

Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have identified a potentially important antigen for a vaccine against dental caries, the organization reported June 28.

The antigen is a key component in a new formulation of a mucosal vaccine that can be applied through the nose. The vaccine works by stimulating immunity to the mutans streptococcal enzyme, which is responsible for the accumulation of decay-causing mutans microorganisms on teeth, Forsyth said.

The vaccine is intended to be administered to children aged 12 to 24 months.

According to Forsyth researchers, the most effective way to protect against dental caries over the long term is to introduce antigens to children at about the age of one, after teeth have begun to emerge but before the mutans streptococci bacteria have begun to colonize. At this stage, they said, children's immune systems are developed enough to produce antibodies to prevent accumulation of mutans bacteria.

Forsyth said the vaccine has proven effective in pre-clinical trials. The researchers received approval to enter clinical trials and are seeking support or partners to produce the vaccine.

SOURCE: Forsyth Institute news release, 6/28/01.