Background: Calcium binding protein, spermatid specific 1 (CABS1) is expressed in human submandibular gland and has an anti-inflammatory motif similar to that in submandibular rat 1 (SMR1) in rats. Here we investigate CABS1 in human saliva and its association with psychological and physiological distress and inflammation in humans. Method: Volunteers participated across three studies: weekly baseline measures; a psychosocial speech and mental arithmetic stressor under evaluative threat; and during academic exam stress. Salivary samples were analyzed for CABS1 and cortisol. Additional measures included questionnaires of perceived stress and negative affect; exhaled nitric oxide; respiration and cardiac activity; lung function; salivary and nasal inflammatory markers. Results: We identified a CABS1 immunoreactive band at 27 kDa in all participants, and additional molecular weight forms in some participants. Temporal stability of the 27 kDa band was satisfactory (r_tt=.62 - .86). Acute stress increased intensity of 18, 27, and 90 kDa bands; 27 kDa increases were associated with more negative affect and lower heart rate, sympathetic activity, respiration rate, and minute ventilation. In both acute and academic stress, changes in 27 kDa were positively associated with salivary cortisol. The 27 kDa band was also positively associated with VEGF and salivary LTB4 levels. Participants with low molecular weight CABS1 bands showed reduced habitual stress and negative affect in response to acute stress. Conclusion: CABS1 is readily detected in human saliva and is associated with psychological and physiological indicators of stress. The role of CABS1 in inflammatory processes, stress, and stress resilience requires careful study.