The primary objective of this Center is to investigate the interplay between the immune system, the indigenous biota of infants and caries outcome. The proposed projects relate the interactions between the immune system and indigenous biota of the mother to those of the infant. By specifically examining those members of the indigenous biota associated with dental caries, as well as the role of the immune system in the colonization of these cariogens, we can gain insight into why some individuals manifest disease and others do not. An intervention trial will run parallel to a natural history study with the expectation that alterations in the mother's level of infection with mutans streptococci affects the acquisition and eventually, caries experience of the child. The target population for this proposal is comprised of African American families from Birmingham, Alabama. We confined our study to this group for two reasons: 1) African Americans have a higher prevalence and severity of caries than the general population. Outcomes from this research may help devise methods of preventing dental caries in this traditionally underserved segment of our population. 2) By constraining our study population, we will have more power for examining microbiological and immunological parameters by having less variation in the genetic composition of the study cohort. The Center will conduct studies relating to four possible avenues for preventing or altering the colonization of cariogenic bacteria: 1) prevention of transmission or maternal mutans streptococci (MS) to infants,, 2) basic and essential information as to the possibilities for developing a vaccine against dental caries, 3) the temporal acquisition of indigenous biota that may compete or augment the cariogenic potential of known cariogenic bacteria such as MS, and 4) devise prediction models based upon measured factors that might be useful in predicting children at risk prior to the onset of caries. Project 1 is the intervention trial mentioned above. Project 2 concerns itself with the questions as to ontogeny of the indigenous biota in infants and the source from whence they come. Project 3 documents the development of the infant's mucosal immune system in response to specific antigens as well as the effect of maternal immunoglobulins in shaping this responsiveness. Project 4 examines the role of the MHC genes and maternal 'imprinting' on the global immune response and explores 'self' vs. 'non-self' as it relates to the indigenous bacterial biota. An analytical/biostatistics, subject recruitment, sample procurement, and administrative core support the four Center projects. The broad, long-term objectives of this Center is to establish a consortium of both basic and applied scientists with the goal of solving clinical problems in humans. To do this, fundamental knowledge concerning the issues raised above must be first addressed. Much of the research proposed tests new paradigms and therefore, is basic. Nonetheless, the Center is clearly focused as to this basic information contributing to a clinical outcome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
1P50DE011147-01
Application #
2132284
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDE1-PW (12))
Project Start
1994-09-30
Project End
1999-09-29
Budget Start
1994-09-30
Budget End
1995-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Honjo, Kazuhito; Kubagawa, Yoshiki; Kearney, John F et al. (2015) Unique ligand-binding property of the human IgM Fc receptor. J Immunol 194:1975-82
Kin, Nicholas W; Stefanov, Emily K; Dizon, Brian L P et al. (2012) Antibodies generated against conserved antigens expressed by bacteria and allergen-bearing fungi suppress airway disease. J Immunol 189:2246-56
Caufield, Page W; Saxena, Deepak; Fitch, David et al. (2007) Population structure of plasmid-containing strains of Streptococcus mutans, a member of the human indigenous biota. J Bacteriol 189:1238-43
Caufield, P W; Li, Y; Dasanayake, A et al. (2007) Diversity of lactobacilli in the oral cavities of young women with dental caries. Caries Res 41:2-8
Dasanayake, Ananda P; Li, Yihong; Wiener, Howard et al. (2005) Salivary Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 2 and Lactobacillus casei levels predict pregnancy outcomes. J Periodontol 76:171-7
Li, Y; Ku, C Y S; Xu, J et al. (2005) Survey of oral microbial diversity using PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. J Dent Res 84:559-64
Li, Y; Caufield, P W; Dasanayake, A P et al. (2005) Mode of delivery and other maternal factors influence the acquisition of Streptococcus mutans in infants. J Dent Res 84:806-11
Li, Yihong; Pan, Yaping; Qi, Fengxia et al. (2003) Identification of Streptococcus sanguinis with a PCR-generated species-specific DNA probe. J Clin Microbiol 41:3481-6
Li, Yihong; Dasanayake, Ananda P; Caufield, Page W et al. (2003) Characterization of maternal mutans streptococci transmission in an African American population. Dent Clin North Am 47:87-101
Ruby, J D; Li, Y; Luo, Y et al. (2003) Genetic diversity of Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 2 in mother-child pairs. Arch Oral Biol 48:851-5

Showing the most recent 10 out of 21 publications