Type II collagen (CII) is a fibrillar collagen that is primarily located in cartilage tissue.The major molecular form of collagen in cartilage is type II collagen. Type II collagen is also located in the vitreous humor of the eye, the inner ear, the nose, and the intervertebral discs of the spine.The function of type II collagen is to provide tensile strength and give cartilage the ability to resist shearing forces.Mutations of the COL2A1 gene affect the synthesis of type II collagen and cause chondrodysplasias.This is characterized by abnormal cartilage that leads to bone and joint deformities.The degradation of collagen type II is an early indicator of osteoarthritis.

Type II Collagen and Adjuvent Susceptibility to CIA is linked to MHC class II molecules and is dependent upon the species of type II collagen used for immunization. Various species of highly purified Type II Collagen are supplied lyophilized and in solution for use in the induction of arthritis in vivo.

Symbols/Related Terms:

• COL2A1
• pro-alpha 1(II) chain
• Achondrogenesis
• Hypochondrogenesis
• Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA)