The first generation of vaccine caused inflammatory reactions. The new version corrects this defect, opening up marketing prospects.
Two to three times a day, for two to three minutes… In total, we spend between three and six months of our life brushing our teeth! The result ? Between 60 and 90% of children, and almost all adults, have cavities. The investment is disappointing …
But researchers from the Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences will perhaps give us a smile to appreciate this daily ritual. They are indeed on the trail of a vaccine against cavities. The results obtained on mice are interesting: it would reduce the risk of developing cavities by 64%, according to their study, which they publish in the review Scientific Reports.
Version 2.0
The vaccine, named KFD2-rPAc, attacks one of the main bacteria responsible for the worldwide attack on teeth: Streptococcus mutans. This converts sugar into lactic acid, which attacks tooth enamel, leaving teeth exposed. It also produces a biofilm which covers the teeth, and allows colonies to develop and attack the quenottes in peace.
The vaccine developed by the Chinese team was designed to induce immunity against Streptococcus mutans. Chinese researchers are not on their first try. A first version of the vaccine had shown some efficacy, but also side effects. An antibody created by the vaccine caused inflammation.
A health benefit
To reduce these side effects, they modified the protein created to induce immunity in order to limit inflammatory reactions. And the process seems to work. Without reducing the prophylactic power against the target bacteria, the new vaccine causes ten times fewer inflammatory reactions.
“These advantages make KFD2-rPAc a promising vaccine candidate against caries,” said the researchers in a press release. It would be particularly interesting for people living in remote areas, and who rarely have the opportunity to consult a dentist.
Globally, 30% of people aged 65 to 74 do not have natural teeth. For many, they simply have no more teeth. Oral health is very strongly linked to general health, especially cardiovascular health. A caries vaccine would therefore bring real benefits in terms of public health.
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