Chitosan nanopolymers effect in activating of mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells

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. 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-α release was evaluated using ELISA method and T cell proliferation. 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-α release and T cell proliferation significantly increased by chitosan treated denderitic cells compared to unstimulated or lipofectamin treated cells (P<0.05). 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.