Undenatured Type II collagen is being studied for a mechanism known as oral tolerance.
After ingestion, collagen components can interact with immune tissues in the small intestine, including Peyer's patches. This interaction may help the immune system recognise collagen-related antigens and promote tolerance rather than an inflammatory response.
Research suggests this process can influence T-cell activity, including regulatory T-cell responses.
This mechanism is different from hydrolysed collagen, which is primarily digested and utilised as collagen-derived peptides and amino acids.
The proposed immune-mediated mechanism is one reason undenatured Type II collagen is specifically studied for joint health.