Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Streptococcus mutans antigenic determinants I/II, I, II, and III and their serotype specificities.

Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were developed to four protein components of Streptococcus mutans serotype c, some of which are significant in the protection against dental caries. The six McAb used in this investigation support the identities of streptococcal antigens (SA) I/II, I, II, and III. The specificities of these antigenic determinants were established both by direct binding and inhibition with the pure SA with a solid-phase radioassay. Whereas conventional antisera to S. mutans serotype c cross-react with serotypes c, e, and f (and g), McAb to serotype c-derived SA I/II react predominantly with serotype c and show some low-titer reactivity with serotype f. The slight cross-reactivity between S. mutants cells of serotypes c and f could be further differentiated by absorption of any of the three McAb to SA I/II with cells of serotype c. Parallel studies of McAb with cells of S. mutans and their ammonium sulfate-precipitated culture supernatants suggest that some SA determinants are retained predominantly on the cell surface, but others are readily shed into the culture medium, so that they are detected both on the cell surface and culture medium. Unlike polyclonal antibodies, McAb are capable of discriminating single antigenic determinants and can be applied to the study of shedding of antigens from microorganisms into the environment, such as the gut or gingival sulcus.