[Immunogenicity of a synthetic peptide vaccine from glucosyltransferase].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure the immunogenicity of a synthetic peptide of glucosyltransferase (GTF) for designing synthetic peptide-based vaccine of dental caries. METHODS: A fusion 27-mer peptide, containing the conserved regions within catalytic and glucan-binding domains of GTF, was synthesized. Serum antibodies to the synthetic peptide were determined by ELISA method. Inhibitions of both GTF activity and S. mutans adherence were detected for the functions of antisera. RESULTS: The sequence of fusion peptide vaccine was ANDVDNSNPVVQAEQLYFRANGVQVKG. The spleen weights of immunized mice were heavier than the control ones. Specific antibodies were effectually elicited. The immune sera not only inhibited GTF enzymatic activity but also inhibited the vitro adherence of S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS: The peptide vaccine which involves antibody-mediated inhibition of the catalytic and the glucan-binding activities of GTF may be valuable for controlling the dental caries.