COVID-19’s Immune Signature in Saliva Is Unique

A new study that investigated the composition of inflammatory markers—such as proinflammatory cytokines—in saliva found that those with COVID-19 have a unique immune signature that is distinctly different from the signature of those with other illnesses, such as cold and flu. The study looked at the saliva of 87 participants who were divided into three groups: positive for COVID-19 with symptoms, negative for COVID-19 but with illness symptoms, and negative for COVID-19 without any symptoms. The University of Iowa College of Dentistry researchers found that the immune signature among those with COVID-19 was unique. The researchers suggest that saliva plays a role in the development of COVID-19 illness. The study was presented at the Annual Meeting and Exhibit of the International and American Associations for Dental Research on March 26 in Atlanta. Click here to read more.