Ocular Inflammatory Response to Intravitreal Injection of Adeno-Associated Virus Vector: Relative Contribution of Genome and Capsid.

Both subretinal dosing and intravitreal (IVT) dosing of adeno-associated virus (AAV) in higher species induce mild and transient inflammatory responses that increase with dose. Foreign protein and foreign DNA are known inducers of inflammation, which is also true in the immune-privileged ocular environment. We explored which component(s) of AAV vectors, viral capsid, or viral DNA drive inflammatory responses.

Coordinated Regulation of the EII and Operons of Streptococcus mutans by Global and Fructose-Specific Pathways.

The glucose/mannose-phosphotransferase system (PTS) permease EII encoded by in the dental caries pathogen has a dominant influence on sugar-specific, CcpA-independent catabolite repression (CR). Mutations in affect energy metabolism and virulence-associated traits, including biofilm formation, acid tolerance, and competence. Using promoter::reporter fusions, expression of the and the operons, encoding a transcriptional regulator, a fructose-1-phosphate kinase and a fructose-PTS permease EII, respectively, was monitored in response to carbohydrate source and in mutants lacking CcpA, FruR, and components of EII Expression of genes for EII and EII was directly regulated by CcpA and CR, as evinced by and methods.

A new arginine-based dental adhesive system: formulation, mechanical and anti-caries properties.

Unlabelled: Secondary caries at the margins of composite restorations has been attributed to adhesive failure and consequent accumulation of cariogenic biofilms.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate an etch-and-rinse adhesive system containing arginine for sustainable release and recharge without affecting its mechanical properties. Arginine metabolism by oral bacteria generates ammonia, which neutralizes glycolytic acids and creates a neutral environmental pH that is less favorable to the growth of caries pathogens, thus reducing the caries risk at the tooth-composite interface.

Amino Sugars Enhance the Competitiveness of Beneficial Commensals with Streptococcus mutans through Multiple Mechanisms.

Unlabelled: Biochemical and genetic aspects of the metabolism of the amino sugars N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucosamine (GlcN) by commensal oral streptococci and the effects of these sugars on interspecies competition with the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans were explored. Multiple S. mutans wild-type isolates displayed long lag phases when transferred from glucose-containing medium to medium with GlcNAc as the primary carbohydrate source, but commensal streptococci did not.