Effects of immunization with natural and recombinant lysine decarboxylase on canine gingivitis development

► Lysine is required to maintain an epithelial barrier to bacteria in gingival sulci. ► Lysine decarboxylase from Eikenella corrodens depletes lysine from gingival sulci. ► Antibodies to lysine decarboxylase slow lysine depletion and gingivitis progression. ► Lysine decarboxylase vaccination may retard canine periodontal disease progression.