Type II Collagen (CII)

Type II collagen is a fibrillar protein that forms the primary structural component of hyaline cartilage, including articular cartilage at joint surfaces. It is essential for providing tensile strength and maintaining the integrity of cartilage tissue. In humans, type II collagen constitutes about 50% of all protein in cartilage and 85–90% of the total collagen content in articular cartilage. Oral administration of native or undenatured type II collagen can induce oral tolerance—a process where immune reactivity against specific antigens decreases—potentially reducing autoimmune attacks on joint tissue.

Other names

Type-II CollagenHydrolyzed CollagenSolubilized CollagenGelatinShark Gelatin

Oral administration of native or undenatured type II collagen can induce oral tolerance—a process where immune reactivity against specific antigens decreases—potentially reducing autoimmune attacks on joint tissue. This mechanism involves induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 to inhibit inflammation in joints. Hydrolyzed forms may act differently by supplying amino acids for tissue repair rather than modulating immunity directly.