Issue 2, 2025, Issue in Progress

Chitosan immunomodulation: insights into mechanisms of action on immune cells and signaling pathways

Abstract

Chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer composed of β-(1–4)-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) and D-glucosamine (GlcN) and derived from crustacean shells, has been widely studied for various biomedical applications, including drug delivery, cartilage repair, wound healing, and tissue engineering, because of its unique physicochemical properties. One of the most promising areas of research is the investigation of the immunomodulatory properties of chitosan, since the biopolymer has been shown to modulate the maturation, activation, cytokine production, and polarization of dendritic cells and macrophages, two key immune cells involved in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to enhanced immune responses. Several signaling pathways, including the cGAS–STING, STAT-1, and NLRP3 inflammasomes, are involved in chitosan-induced immunomodulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of chitosan. This information may facilitate the development of chitosan-based therapies and vaccine adjuvants for various immune-related diseases.

Graphical abstract: Chitosan immunomodulation: insights into mechanisms of action on immune cells and signaling pathways

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
28 Nov 2024
Accepted
22 Dec 2024
First published
10 Jan 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Adv., 2025,15, 896-909

Chitosan immunomodulation: insights into mechanisms of action on immune cells and signaling pathways

M. Ghattas, G. Dwivedi, A. Chevrier, D. Horn-Bourque, M. Alameh and M. Lavertu, RSC Adv., 2025, 15, 896 DOI: 10.1039/D4RA08406C

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