The development of vaccines for tooth decay has been under investigation for more than 30 years. Caries vaccines are said to be in animal testing since 1972, but difficulty in developing it and lack of economic interests are the reasons why these vaccines are not available commercially as of 2018. Streptococcus mutans has been identified as the agent to cause dental caries. This book attempts to search for ways that can intercept or modify this agent immunologically.
Resolving this, there are various aspects to be thought upon, like the pathways through which the Streptococcus mutans enters and accumulates in dental biofilm. Bacterial components which cause virulence response and how the immune pathways matured in a young child with caries are questions answered in this book. A thorough research is registered regarding modern vaccine design and its delivery, passive administration of antibodies against Streptococcus mutans virulence antigens, and degree of protection in preclinical studies and investigation. This book explains the caries protective activity of immunization with dental caries vaccine and the proof awaits the clinical trials.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL AND CURRENT PROSPECTIVE -NEED FOR CARIES VACCINE
CLASSIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS IMPLICATED IN CARIES
STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS
CARIES PROCESS
IMMUNOLOGY IN RELATION TO CARIES VACCINE
REVIEW OF LITREATURE
- REPORTS
- INVITRO
- RATS
- RABBITS
- HAMSTERS
- MONKEYS
- HUMANS
- NEW TECHNIQUES
CONTROVERSIES OF DENTAL CARIES VACCINES
SUMMARY
CONCLUSION
Research Objective and Scope
This work aims to evaluate the potential of immunological strategies and vaccination as a public health measure to control dental caries by targeting specific cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans. The research explores the historical context, the multifactorial nature of the disease, and the efficacy of various antigen-based immunization approaches in animal models and human subjects.
- Mechanisms of colonization and pathogenesis of Streptococcus mutans.
- Immunological interventions and vaccine development strategies.
- Review of literature regarding immunization efficacy across different species.
- Controversies and potential side effects of caries vaccines.
- Modern applications of molecular biology and genetic engineering in vaccine production.
Excerpt from the Book
CURRENT CONCEPT
Interaction between the primary and secondary factors is essential for the initiation and progression of caries, a susceptible host tissue, the tooth, micro flora with a cariogenic potential and a suitable local substrate to meet the nutritional requirements of the pathologic flora (fig 1). The tooth is the target tissue destroyed in the dental caries process. The cariogenic oral flora that is localized to specific sites on the teeth is the agent that produces and secretes the chemical substance. (Organic acids, chelating agents and proteolytic enzymes) that causes the destruction of the inorganic components and the subsequent break down of the organic matrix of enamel and dentine. The local substrate provides the nutritional requirements for the oral micro flora, thereby permitting them to colonize, grow and metabolize on selective surfaces of the teeth. The third factor, the resistance of the tooth, is obviously important since this determines the overall effect of the attack.74
Studies conducted by Fitzgerald in 1968 on gnotobiotic animals of the role of microorganisms in caries came to the conclusion that75
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Defines dental caries as a multifactorial disease and highlights the shift in focus towards microbial control.
HISTORICAL AND CURRENT PROSPECTIVE -NEED FOR CARIES VACCINE: Discusses the evolution of dental diseases and the critical need for vaccination strategies.
CLASSIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS IMPLICATED IN CARIES: Categorizes the bacteria involved in the cariogenic process, with a focus on Mutans streptococci.
STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS: Examines the characteristics and role of S. mutans as the primary pathogen in dental caries.
CARIES PROCESS: Outlines the stages of lesion initiation, including initial attachment, accumulation, and acid formation.
IMMUNOLOGY IN RELATION TO CARIES VACCINE: Explores the immune components and mechanisms involved in oral defense and potential vaccine induction.
REVIEW OF LITREATURE: Provides a comprehensive overview of past and ongoing research regarding immunization efficacy in rats, rabbits, hamsters, monkeys, and humans.
CONTROVERSIES OF DENTAL CARIES VACCINES: Addresses the challenges and concerns regarding cross-reactivity with human tissues in vaccine development.
SUMMARY: Synthesizes the core findings and scientific basis for future vaccine development.
CONCLUSION: Finalizes the potential for safe, effective mucosal-based human dental caries vaccines.
Keywords
Dental caries, Streptococcus mutans, Caries vaccine, Immunology, Secretory IgA, Glucosyltransferase, Oral immunization, Mucosal immunity, Adhesins, Bacterial plaque, Antigen, Immunogenicity, Molecular biology, Streptococcus sobrinus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the scientific basis, feasibility, and development strategies for creating a vaccine to prevent dental caries, specifically by targeting the bacterium Streptococcus mutans.
What are the central themes discussed in this book?
The book covers the etiology of dental caries, the role of specific oral microorganisms, the immune system's response to these pathogens, and experimental evidence for various vaccination approaches.
What is the ultimate goal of the proposed vaccine research?
The goal is to develop a safe and effective immunization method, preferably through a mucosal delivery system, to prevent dental caries in high-risk populations, particularly young children.
Which scientific methodology is primarily used for the review?
The author performs an extensive literature review, evaluating preclinical studies in animal models (rats, monkeys, etc.) and clinical progress in human trials to assess vaccine efficacy.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body details the biology of S. mutans, the stages of the caries process, immunological mechanisms, and an exhaustive review of various vaccine candidates and delivery techniques.
How would you describe the main keywords characterizing this work?
The work is characterized by terms related to dental microbiology, immunology, and biotechnology, such as Streptococcus mutans, mucosal immunity, and antigen-based therapy.
Why is S. mutans the primary target for caries vaccine development?
S. mutans is identified as the key etiological agent of human dental caries due to its ability to colonize teeth, synthesize extracellular polysaccharides, and produce acid efficiently.
What are the main concerns regarding the safety of caries vaccines?
A major concern is the potential for autoimmune reactions, specifically the possibility that antibodies generated against bacterial antigens might cross-react with host tissues, such as the human heart.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. Charvi Gupta Mankel (Autor:in), 2019, Caries Vaccine And The Ways To Modfiy Streptococcus Mutans, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/501941
