Noel K. Childers research interest is the immunobiology of dental caries. He is currently involved in investigations aimed at identifying safe and effective mucosal immunization delivery systems. Specifically, his studies examine the characteristics of liposomes that are important in potentiating immune responses to orally administered S. mutans antigens. This involves in vitro studies of the physical characteristics of liposomal antigen preparations as well as in vivo studies into the uptake and processing of liposome preparations in rats. Following animals studies of the efficacy of liposomal S. mutans antigen vaccines, Dr. Childers has initiated human FDA Phase I clinical trials studying the safety and immunogenicity of liposomal oral/nasal immunization. The overall goal of Dr. Childers studies are to identify a safe and effective oral immunization strategy which is protective against dental caries.
