Immunostimulatory properties of glycated chitosan

Glycated chitosan (GC) is a new compound derived from chitosan by attaching galactose molecules to the chitosan molecules. GC was designed for immune stimulations in combination with phototherapies in the cancer treatment. The future clinical applications require a thorough understanding of the properties of GC. Murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were used to investigate NO formation and TNFα secretion stimulated by GC. Murine mammary tumor cells (EMT6) were treated in vitro and in vivo by laser irradiation with 980 nm in combination with GC stimulation. Here is the first in a series of studies designed to understand the immunological mechanisms of GC. Our in vitro results show that GC could enter into macrophages to stimulate NO generation and TNFα secretion. GC could further enhance the TNFα secretion of macrophages stimulated by laser treated tumor cells. Our in vivo results also show immunological effects of GC, particularly in inducing tumor-specific immune responses. Our results indicated that GC was a strong immunological stimulant for cancer treatment, particularly when combined with laser phototherapies.