RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Persistent Immune and Clotting Dysfunction Detected in Saliva and Blood Plasma after COVID-19 JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 2022.03.18.484814 DO 10.1101/2022.03.18.484814 A1 Jang, Hyesun A1 Choudhury, Saibyasachi A1 Yu, Yanbao A1 Sievers, Benjamin L. A1 Gelbart, Terri A1 Singh, Harinder A1 Rawlings, Stephen A. A1 Proal, Amy A1 Tan, Gene S. A1 Smith, Davey A1 Freire, Marcelo YR 2022 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/04/18/2022.03.18.484814.abstract AB A growing number of studies indicate that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with inflammatory sequelae, but molecular signatures governing the normal vs. pathologic convalescence process have not been well-delineated. We characterized global immune and proteome responses in matched plasma and saliva samples obtained from COVID-19 patients collected between 4-6 weeks after initial clinical symptoms resolved. Convalescent subjects showed robust IgA and IgG responses and positive antibody correlations between matched saliva and plasma samples. However, global shotgun proteomics revealed persistent inflammatory patterns in convalescent samples including dysfunction of salivary innate immune cells and clotting factors in plasma (e.g., fibrinogen and antithrombin), with positive correlations to acute COVID-19 disease severity. Saliva samples were characterized by higher concentrations of IgA, and proteomics showed altered pathways that correlated positively with IgA levels. Our study positions saliva as a viable fluid to monitor immunity beyond plasma to document COVID-19 immune, inflammatory, and coagulation-related sequelae.Competing Interest StatementDr. Davey Smith DMS has consulted for FluxErgy Inc, Kiadis Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Linear Therapies, Matrix Biomed, Model Medicines, VxBiosciences, and Brio Clinical. Dr. Marcelo Freire has consulted for Mars Wrigley, Bristle Health.