Commensal Streptococcus mitis is a unique vector for oral mucosal vaccination

The development of vaccine approaches that induce mucosal and systemic immune responses is critical for the effective prevention of several infections. Here, we report on the use of the abundant human oral commensal bacterium Streptococcus mitis as a delivery vehicle for mucosal immunization. Using homologous recombination we generated a stable rS. mitis expressing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein (Ag85b). Oral administration of rS. mitis in gnotobiotic piglets resulted in efficient oral colonization and production of oral and systemic anti-Ag85b specific IgA and IgG antibodies. These results support that the commensal S. mitis is potentially a useful vector for mucosal vaccination.