Abstract
Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental caries. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of variable regions of a llama heavy chain antibody fragments directed against S. mutans named S36-VHH (S for Streptococcus) alone or fused with glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger. Western blot analysis and ELISA revealed binding of the S36-VHH to the streptococcal antigen I/II adhesin molecule of S. mutans serotype C. In a rat-desalivated caries model, daily administration of S36-VHH significantly reduced the development of smooth surface caries. No additional therapeutic effect of GOx was observed. Our results suggest that llama VHH antibodies may be a potential benefit as prophylaxis against dental caries.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
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Antibodies, Bacterial / pharmacology*
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Camelids, New World / immunology*
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Camelids, New World / physiology
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Dental Caries / microbiology
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Dental Caries / prevention & control*
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Glucose Oxidase / pharmacology
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Immunoglobulin Fragments / immunology
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / immunology
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / pharmacology
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / therapeutic use*
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Immunoglobulin Variable Region / immunology
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Immunoglobulin Variable Region / pharmacology
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Immunotoxins / toxicity
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Mouth / microbiology
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Streptococcus mutans / drug effects*
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Streptococcus mutans / enzymology
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Streptococcus mutans / genetics
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Antibodies, Bacterial
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Immunoglobulin Fragments
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
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Immunoglobulin Variable Region
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Immunotoxins
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Glucose Oxidase