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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
06:54
Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
Published on: June 15, 2019
Native hyaluronan produces less hypersensitivity than cross-linked hyaluronan
Randal S Goomer1, Karen Leslie, Thira Maris
1Department of Orthopedics, UCSD-School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA. rgoomer@ucsd.edu
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|May 3, 2005
Summary
Cross-linked hyaluronan injections for osteoarthritis may trigger delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Native hyaluronan showed significantly less immune response, indicating potential differences in immunogenicity between forms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomaterials Science
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Hyaluronan injections are common osteoarthritis treatments.
- Both native and cross-linked hyaluronan products are FDA-approved.
- Concerns exist regarding potential antigenic reactions to hyaluronan treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunologic reactions to native and cross-linked hyaluronan.
- To assess potential delayed-type hypersensitivity and antibody production.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were sensitized to hyaluronan via subcutaneous injections.
- Active cutaneous and delayed-type hypersensitivity were studied.
- Antihyaluronan antibodies were measured using indirect competitive ELISAs.
Main Results:
- Synvisc (cross-linked hyaluronan) induced delayed-type hypersensitivity in guinea pigs.
- Native hyaluronan did not induce significant hypersensitivity.
- Sera from animals sensitized to cross-linked hyaluronan showed increased antihyaluronan antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Artificially cross-linked hyaluronan can elicit a hypersensitivity response.
- Native hyaluronan appears less immunogenic compared to cross-linked forms.
- The immunogenicity of cross-linked hyaluronan may be due to elicitation of specific immunoglobulins.
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