ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Regarding to various problems in the activation of dendritic cells and immune system's responses, finding of a safe, effective and applicable agent is highly desirable. Chitosan is an effective gene delivery agent and also a part of nanoscaffolds. In the present study, chitosan nanopolymers effect on dendritic immune cells were assessed
Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, chitosan [150 KD] in acetic acid 1% solution was depolymerized to 10 KD oligomers using NaNO2. The oligomers particles were obtained by means of 2 normal NAOH molecules. Denderitic cells were derived from the rats' bone marrow using GM-SCF. On the treated denderitic cells CD40, CD86 and MHC-II maturation markers were evaluated by flowcytometery and TNF-alpha release was evaluated using ELISA method and T cell proliferation
Results: It was observed that dendrtic cells purity on the 8th day was more than 90%. Flowcytometery analysis showed an increase in all evaluated CD40, CD86 and MHC-II maturation markers [p<0.05]. TNF-alpha release and T cell proliferation significantly increased by chitosan treated denderitic cells compared to unstimulated or lipofectamin treated cells [P<0.05]
Conclusion: Results showed that chitosan nanopolymers significantly increased dendertic cell maturation phenotype, proinflamatory cytokine production, and induction of T cell proliferation. Therefore, chitosan nanocomplexes and scaffolds can induce and accelerate immune responses