Reviewing the biological activity of chitosan in the mucosa: Focus on intestinal immunity

MOINE, L.; CANALI, M.M.; PORPORATTO, C.; CORREA, S.G.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2021

0141-8130

Chitosan is a polymer derived from the partial deacetylation of chitin with particular characteristics, such as mucoadhesiveness, tolerability, biocompatibility andbiodegradability. Biomedical uses of chitosan cover a wide spectrum of applications as dietary fiber, immunoadjuvant and regulator of the intestinal microbiotaor delivery agent. Chemical modification of chitosan is feasible because its reactive amino and hydroxyl groups can be modified by a diverse array of ligands,functional groups and molecules. This gives rise to numerous derivatives that allow different formulation types influencing their activity. Considering themultiple events resulting from the interaction with mucosal tissues, chitosan is a singular candidate for strategies targeting immune stimulation (i.e., toleranceinduction, vaccination). Its role as a prebiotic and probiotic carrier represents an effective option to manage intestinal dysbiosis. In the intestinal scenario wherethe exposure of the immune system to a wide variety of antigens is permanent, chitosan increases IgA levels and favors a tolerogenic environment, thusbecoming a key ally for host homeostasis.