Mouse IgG2a antibodies specific for the commensal Streptococcus mitis show stronger cross-reactivity with Streptococcus pneumoniae than IgG1 antibodies

Abstract

Here we show that mouse IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies specific for the commensal Streptococcus mitis cross-react with the pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, although the cross-reactivity conferred by IgG2a is stronger than IgG1 antibodies. These findings may have implications for designing S. mitis-based vaccines against pneumococcal infections.