Inhibition of Glucosyltransferase Activity by Antisera to Known Serotypes of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Using a recently developed assay for glucosyltransferase activity based on 14 C-glucose incorporation into an alcohol-insoluble polysaccharide, we were able to study inhibition by antibody of this enzyme activity. Rabbit antibody was relatively specific for the strain of Streptoccus mutans from which the enzyme was obtained. Absorption studies showed that neither removal of antibodies directed to dextran nor absorption with intact bacteria offset the enzyme-inhibitory capacity of these sera, whereas absorption with partially purified enzyme did result in removal of the inhibitory capacity.