In this recent study, researchers explored the immunomodulatory effects of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives on porcine innate immune cells as potential alternatives to antibiotics in livestock production.

Their findings revealed that immune responses were highly dependent on both the cell type and the polymer structure. Chitosan activated CD14⁺ monocytes and induced a trained immunity phenotype, resulting in enhanced cytokine production upon restimulation. In contrast, chitin promoted a tolerance-like phenotype in monocyte-derived macrophages, leading to reduced inflammatory responses after subsequent stimulation.

These results provide new insights into how chitin-based polysaccharides shape innate immune memory and support their potential use as functional feed ingredients to improve animal health while reducing reliance on antibiotics.

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