CD44 hyaluronan receptor (CD44)

CD44 hyaluronan receptor (CD44) is a widely expressed transmembrane glycoprotein and the major cell surface receptor for hyaluronan, a key component of the extracellular matrix[1][3][5][6]. It is encoded by a single gene but exists in multiple isoforms generated by alternative splicing, contributing to its functional diversity[3][6]. CD44 plays crucial roles in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, immune cell trafficking, lymphocyte activation, cell aggregation, cell migration, and wound healing[2][5][6]. Through binding to hyaluronan and other ligands including osteopontin, collagens, and matrix metalloproteinases, CD44 regulates processes such as cell proliferation, survival, migration, and structural organization of tissues[5][6]. It critically influences cancer progression, inflammation, immune responses, and tissue repair, in part by modulating signaling pathways and the actin cytoskeleton[2][3][5]. Aberrant expression or function of CD44, especially specific isoforms (CD44v), is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in many cancer types, making CD44 a target for therapeutic intervention and a biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis[3][6]. Due to its ubiquitous expression and multiple physiological functions, therapeutic targeting of CD44 requires careful balancing of anti-disease efficacy versus potential safety concerns.

Other names

CD44 antigenlymphocyte homing receptorHermes antigenPgp-1

Antibody-mediated inhibition/blockade of CD44-ligand binding, disruption of CD44-mediated signaling, hyaluronan degradation (indirectly affecting CD44), inhibition of CD44-hyaluronan interaction