Envelope-specific antibodies in the saliva of individuals vaccinated with recombinant HIV-1 gp160.

HIV-1-specific antibodies have been detected in the saliva of seropositive individuals and may play a role in preventing oral transmission of the virus. We have analyzed saliva samples obtained from HIV-1-seronegative individuals who were immunized with various dosages of a recombinant HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (gp160) vaccine for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1. Antibodies specific for envelope glycoproteins were detected in saliva from all of the volunteers, with those vaccinated with the higher doses of 640 and 1,280 micrograms showing the strongest responses. Peak salivary antibody titers were obtained 4-14 weeks after vaccination; they then gradually dropped in parallel with serum antibody titers. These envelope-specific antibodies were detected in whole saliva and in submandibular saliva but not in parotid saliva, suggesting that the source of antibodies in saliva is from serum transudation. The class of reactive antibodies was found to be IgG. The HIV-1-specific antibodies in the saliva of vaccinated individuals may offer local protection against HIV-1 infection.