Mucosal Barrier (Salivary)

IMMUNITY – SigA – Mucosal Immunity Saliva Test

SIgA results not only reveal a patient’s ability to defend against infections, allergies, and food reactions – they also provide clues into where to go next in the investigation and treatment of health complaints.

This test is available as a standalone test and also available combined with HPA Stress Profiles.
SIgA The Protector: The most recognized function of sIgA includes its role in “immune exclusion” in which it prevents viruses, bacteria, and other antigens from adhering to and penetrating epithelial mucosa. SIgA may also inhibit inflammatory processes that damage the mucosa, and preliminary evidence suggests that it may play a role in inducing an antigen specific immune response by a non-inflammatory mechanism. In addition, SIgA functions in mucosal immunity and intestinal homeostasis through mechanisms that have only recently been revealed. In just the past several years, sIgA has been identified as having the capacity to directly quench bacterial virulence factors, influence composition of the intestinal microbiota, promote retro-transport of antigens across the intestinal epithelium to dendritic cell subsets in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, and, finally, to downregulate pro-inflammatory responses normally associated with the uptake of highly pathogenic bacteria and potentially allergenic antigens.

Using the ELISA testing method, the lab analyzes saliva collected over the course of a single day. High levels of sIgA may be an indication of acute stress, intestinal barrier dysfunction, acute oral infection, acute GI infection, heavy smoking, alcoholism, periodontitis, dental plaque accumulation, and/or intestinal barrier dysfunction. In general, high sIgA results point toward the need to rule out active infections which are being fought by the heightened alertness of the immune system. Low levels of sIgA may be an indication of autonomic nervous system imbalance, chronic stress, damage to the intestinal barrier, chronic GI infections, food intolerance, gliadin intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, and/or use of anti-inflammatory drugs.