Abstract: A penta- to decapeptide containing two or more Arg protecting against dental caries is comprised by the amino acid sequence GlyGlyHisProArgProProArgGlyArgProGlnGlyProProGlnGln. Also disclosed is a composition for preventing dental caries comprising an effective amount of the peptide, and a corresponding method of use.

Abstract: A method for identifying the susceptibility of a person to dental caries comprises the assay of one or several of: an agent having high binding capacity to Streptococcus mutans but low binding capacity to Actinomyces naeslundii, an agent having high binding capacity to S. mutans-binding agglutinin, an agent having high binding capacity to A. naeslundii. The agent having high binding capacity to Streptococcus mutans but low binding capacity to A. naeslundii comprises an allelic Db type of salivary acidic proline-rich molecules (acidic PRPs), a biologically active fragment or a genetic precursor thereof. A corresponding reagent is also identified. Also disclosed are a method and an agent for the prevention of caries, as well as labelled S. mutans and A. naeslundii and their use.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies recognizing the difucosyl-type-2-H antigen on human cells and a method of producing said antibodies are disclosed. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in blood typing and in diagnosis of blood disorders and malignancies involving loss or gain of this H antigen.