A cementum-bound antigen: its reaction with serum antibody and localization, in situ.

The results which have been presented give clear evidence to the presence of an antigen(s) on the cementum of teeth exposed to a periodontal pocket, which is capable of reacting with human serum antibody. It was not possible to demonstrate human antibody reactivity against any components derived from the cementum of completely unexposed bony impacted teeth. Regardless of any speculations dealing with the character or origin of such antigens, their very presence would suggest they may have profound implications in the etiology and progression of the periodontal disease process.