Tyrosine kinase-dependent activation of human NK cell functions upon triggering through CD44 receptor

Everolimus targeted nanotherapy reduces inflammation and fibrosis in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) developed by PSGL-1 deficient mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and current therapies available are of low efficacy or high toxicity. Thus, the identification of innovative less toxic and high efficacy therapeutic approaches to ILD treatment is a crucial point. P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1) interaction with P-selectin initiates leukocyte extravasation and the lack of its expression brings to SSc-like syndrome with high incidence of ILD in aged mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Aged PSGL-1^-/- mice were used to assay the therapeutic efficacy of an innovative nanotherapy with everolimus (Ev), included in liposomes decorated with high MW hyaluronic acid (LipHA+Ev) and administrated intratracheally to specifically target CD44-expressing lung cells.

KEY RESULTS

PSGL-1^-/- mice had increased number of CD45+ and CD45- cells, including alveolar and interstitial macrophages, eosinophils, granulocytes and NK cells, and elevated number of myofibroblasts in broncoalveolar lavage (BAL). CD45+ and CD45- cells expressing proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines were also increased. PSGL-1^-/- mice lung histopathology showed increased immune cell infiltration and apoptosis and exacerbated interstitial and peribronchial fibrosis. Targeted nanotherapy with LipHA+Ev reduced BAL number of myofibroblast, cells producing proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and the degree of lung inflammation at histology. LipHA+Ev treatment also provided an important decrease in severity of peribronchial and interstitial lung fibrosis from moderate to mild injury score.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our preclinical study in PSGL-1^-/- mice indicates that targeted nanotherapy with LipHA+Ev represents an effective treatment for SSc-ILD, reducing the number of inflammatory and fibrotic cells in BAL and reducing inflammation and fibrosis in lungs.

Targeting NK Cells to Enhance Melanoma Response to Immunotherapies

Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of an innate immune system. They are important not only in initiating, but also in augmenting adaptive immune responses. NK cell activation is mediated by a carefully orchestrated balance between the signals from inhibitory and activating NK cell receptors. NK cells are potent producers of proinflammatory cytokines and are also able to elicit strong antitumor responses through secretion of perforin and granzyme B. Tumors can develop many mechanisms to evade NK cell antitumor responses, such as upregulating ligands for inhibitory receptors, secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines and recruiting immunosuppressive cells. Enhancing NK cell responses will likely augment the effectiveness of immunotherapies, and strategies to accomplish this are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of NK cell biology will likely provide additional opportunities to further leverage the antitumor effects of NK cells. In this review, we therefore sought to highlight NK cell biology, tumor evasion of NK cells and clinical trials that target NK cells.

Tumor-derived nanovesicles promote lung distribution of the therapeutic nanovector through repression of Kupffer cell-mediated phagocytosis

Tumor-derived nanovesicles have been widely used as a biomarker or therapeutic target in various tumor types. However, these nanovesicles have limited use in therapy due to the risk of advancing tumor development. Methods: Exosome-like nanovesicles (ENVs) were developed from metastatic breast cancer 4T1 cells-derived exosomes. The distribution of ENVs and their impact on macrophage-mediated phagocytosis were evaluated. The effect of ENVs pretreatment on anti-lung metastasis therapeutic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs delivered by DOTAP/DOPE liposomes in breast cancer-bearing mice was also examined. Results: We demonstrated that, following intravenous injection in mice, ENVs were preferentially uptaken by Kupffer cells and repressed phagocytosis. The decreased uptake appeared to be due to the translocation of membrane nucleolin from the inner face of the plasma membrane to the cell surface and intercellular Ca2+ fluxes, leading to altered expression of genes involved in phagocytosis by macrophages. Mice pretreated with 4T1-derived ENVs led to the decreased uptake of DOTAP: DOPE liposomes (DDL) in the liver. Consequently, doxorubicin-loaded DDL transported to the lungs instead of the liver, effectively inhibiting breast cancer lung metastasis. Importantly, 4T1 cells exosome-derived ENVs had no detectable toxicity in vivo and low-risk to promote tumor growth and metastasis compared to 4T1 cells exosomes. Conclusion: Our results suggested that pretreatment with 4T1 ENVs represents a strategy to escape Kupffer cell-mediated phagocytosis effectively targeting drug delivery vehicles to tumor metastasis, reducing the IC50 of the chemotherapeutic drugs, and avoiding adverse side effects.

Cellular changes in hepatocytes and intestinal endothelium after hepatoduodenal ligament occlusion and protective effects of caspase inhibition

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic vascular control is used by many surgeons to prevent massive hemorrhage during hepatectomy. However, this may carry a risk of ischemic damage to the hepatocytes. Another major drawback of intraoperative occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament is portal stasis with resultant intestinal congestion which may cause adverse effects on the intestinal functions. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein present in many types of epithelial cells. By mediating the attachment of dividing crypt cells to the basal lamina via hyaluronan, CD44 is considered to play a role in maintaining the intestinal villus integrity. Apoptosis is a pathway of cell death orchestrated by a family of proteases called caspases. ZVAD-fmk is a cell-permeable irreversible inhibitor of caspase and might block the processing of many caspases. This study is designed with the purpose to evaluate the impact of intraoperative occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament on hepatocyte and intestine functions and also to evaluate the potential influence of ZVAD-fmk on the hepatocyte and intestine functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 5 groups. Group 1(C) underwent sham operation. Group 2 (HDL30) underwent occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament by for 30 minutes. Group 3 (HDL 15) underwent occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament by for 15 minutes, releasing for 5 minutes, underwent occlusion for another 15 minutes. Group 4 (ZHDL30) first received ZVAD-fmk, then underwent occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament by for 30 minutes. Group 5 (ZHDL15) first received ZVAD-fmk, then underwent occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament for 15 minutes, releasing for 5 minutes, underwent occlusion for another 15 minutes. After removing the temporary occlusion, liver tissue and proximal jejunum were harvested. Hepatocyte and intestine apoptosis were quantitated using the TUNEL method. CD 44 status of jejunum were determined by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Hepatocyte apoptosis was significantly increased in group (HDL30) and group (HDL15) when compared with group (C). ZVAD-fmk effectively attenuated this phenomenon in both groups. There was no significant difference between group (HDL30) and group (HDL15). Jejunal apoptosis was significantly increased in group (HDL30) and group (HDL15) when compared with group (C). ZVAD-fmk effectively attenuated this phenomenon in both groups. There was no significant difference between group (HDL30) and group (HDL15). CD44 expression on jejunum was significantly increased in group (HDL30) and group (HDL15) when compared with group (C). ZVAD-fmk failed to effectively diminish this phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

Occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament significantly increased both hepatocyte and jejunal apoptosis and pretreatment with ZVAD-fmk could effectively diminish such phenomenon. CD44 expression on jejunum was also significantly increased by intraoperative occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament, yet pretreatment with ZVAD-fmk failed to show significant effect on such phenomenon.

Ligation of CD44 leads to killing activity in human peripheral mononuclear cells via MAP kinase and tyrosine kinases

CD44 is a widely distributed transmembrane glycoprotein associated with various lymphocyte functions, including lympho-hemopoiesis, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and T cell activation. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of CD44 involvement in regulating the killing activity of human peripheral mononuclear cells (PMC). An anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody (mAb) J173 enhanced the killing activity of PMC against Daudi and K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The increased cytotoxicity peaked at mAb concentration of 1.25 microg/ml. Under this condition, triggering of CD44 enhanced the killing activity by 1.5- and 2.2-fold at an effector-to-target (E/T) ratio of 20 for Daudi and K562 cells, respectively. Cytotoxic activity was remarkably diminished by treatment of PMC with concanamycin A, suggesting that this PMC-mediated cytotoxicity is mainly exerted via the perforin pathway. Moreover, we found that ligation of CD44 transduced signals to PMC that led to the tyrosine phosphorylation of several intracellular proteins and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphorylation, and PD98059, an inhibitor of MAP kinase, suppressed CD44-induced enhancement of cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the CD44 molecule, which is a main receptor for hyaluronan known to be expressed on the surface of tumor cells, plays an important role in PMC-mediated cytotoxicity, and that tyrosine kinases and MAP kinase are essential for CD44-mediated signaling in cytotoxicity.

Low molecular weight hyaluronan increases the Uptaking of oxidized LDL into monocytes

Since accumulation and interaction of immune cells including T cells and monocytes/macrophages are involved in the processes of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis is currently understood as an inflammatory disorder. Entrapment of extracellular matrices components such as hyaluronan by monocytes and macrophages, as well as uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) by these cells, plays a central role in foam cell formation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We investigated the role of CD44, the principal receptor for hyaluronic acid, and ox-LDL in scavenger receptor expression on resting monocytes prepared by counterflow centrifugal elutriation from the endothelium. Our results showed that the low-molecular weight (6.9 kDa) form of hyaluronan increased the expression of CD36 scavenger receptor; the incorporation of (125) I-labeled ox-LDL, and the transendothelial migration of monocytes, which were mediated at least in part via tyrosine kinase and the PKC pathway. Our results imply that low molecular weight hyaluronan produced in large amounts in atherosclerotic lesions induces differentiation of circulating monocytes to macrophages/foam cells and enhances the progression of atherosclerosis via the PKC pathway. Furthermore, low molecular weight hyaluronan also amplifies the migration of monocytes into inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, we propose that engagement of CD44 with low molecular weight hyaluronan is centrally involved in the inflammatory pathogenesis of athelosclerotic plaques through migration of monocytes and foamed macrophage differentiation.

Viral IL-10-mediated immune regulation in pancreatic islet transplantation

Protection of transplanted pancreatic islet grafts in recipients with autoimmune diabetes depends on the suppression of autoimmune recurrence and allogeneic rejection. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of viral IL-10 gene delivery in the prevention of autoimmune recurrence following islet transplantation. We evaluated the effectiveness of a systemically delivered adeno-associated viral vector (AAV vIL-10) carrying viral IL-10 in protecting islet engraftment. We observed significant prolongation of graft survival after treatment with AAV vIL-10 when using islets from donors lacking autoimmunity. We found that the mechanism of vIL-10-mediated protection was associated with suppression of T cell activation and that donor immune cells that were simultaneously transferred with the islet grafts could induce autoimmune recurrence. AAV vIL-10 gene transfer suppressed previously activated T cells and protected grafted islets from autoimmune-mediated destruction. We conclude that vIL-10 can regulate autoimmune activity and that transfer of its gene may have potential for therapeutic islet transplantation.

CD44 in cancer progression: adhesion, migration and growth regulation

It is well established that the large array of functions that a tumour cell has to fulfil to settle as a metastasis in a distant organ requires cooperative activities between the tumour and the surrounding tissue and that several classes of molecules are involved, such as cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion molecules and matrix degrading enzymes, to name only a few. Furthermore, metastasis formation requires concerted activities between tumour cells and surrounding cells as well as matrix elements and possibly concerted activities between individual molecules of the tumour cell itself. Adhesion molecules have originally been thought to be essential for the formation of multicellular organisms and to tether cells to the extracellular matrix or to neighbouring cells. CD44 transmembrane glycoproteins belong to the families of adhesion molecules and have originally been described to mediate lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymphoid tissues. It was soon recognized that the molecules, under selective conditions, may suffice to initiate metastatic spread of tumour cells. The question remained as to how a single adhesion molecule can fulfil that task. This review outlines that adhesion is by no means a passive task. Rather, ligand binding, as exemplified for CD44 and other similar adhesion molecules, initiates a cascade of events that can be started by adherence to the extracellular matrix. This leads to activation of the molecule itself, binding to additional ligands, such as growth factors and matrix degrading enzymes, complex formation with additional transmembrane molecules and association with cytoskeletal elements and signal transducing molecules. Thus, through the interplay of CD44 with its ligands and associating molecules CD44 modulates adhesiveness, motility, matrix degradation, proliferation and cell survival, features that together may well allow a tumour cell to proceed through all steps of the metastatic cascade.

Role of CD44 and hyaluronic acid (HA) in activation of alloreactive and antigen-specific T cells by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

In the current study, the role played by hyaluronic acid (HA) and its receptor CD44 on the activation and functions of dendritic cells (DCs) was investigated. Activation of DCs with HA enhanced their ability to stimulate allogeneic and antigen (Ag)-specific T cells markedly. HA treatment upregulated the expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD40, CD80, and CD86 on DCs. Cell mixing experiments using DC or T cells from CD44 wild-type or CD44 knockout mice as well as blocking studies with anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies revealed that CD44 expression on T cells but not DC played a critical role in Ag-specific T-cell responsiveness. Also, the HA-induced activation of DC was independent of CD44. When conjugate formation between Ag-pulsed DCs and Ag-specific T cells was studied, the deficiency of CD44 on T cells rather than on DCs was found to play a key role in T-cell-DC interaction. Together, these data demonstrated that HA can activate DC independently of CD44; however, CD44 expressed on Ag-specific T cells plays a critical role in its interaction with DC and resultant expansion of T cells.

CD44 stimulation by fragmented hyaluronic acid induces upregulation and tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met receptor protein in human chondrosarcoma cells

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) can induce proliferation and motility and promote invasion of tumor cells. Since HGF/SF receptor, c-Met, is expressed by tumor cells, and since stimulation of CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein known to bind hyaluronic acid (HA) in its extracellular domain, is involved in activation of c-Met, we have studied the effects of CD44 stimulation by ligation with HA upon the expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met on human chondrosarcoma cell line HCS-2/8. The current study indicates that (a) CD44 stimulation by fragmented HA upregulates expression of c-Met proteins; (b) fragmented HA also induces tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met protein within 30 min, an early event in this pathway as shown by the early time course of stimulation; (c) the effects of HA fragments are critically HA size-dependent. High molecular weight HA is inactive, but lower molecular weight fragments (M(r) 3.5 kDa) are active with maximal effect in the microg/ml range; (d) the standard form of CD44 (CD44s) is critical for the response because the effect on c-Met, both in terms of upregulation and phosphorylation, is inhibited by preincubation with an anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody; and (e) phosphorylation of c-Met induced by CD44 stimulation is inhibited by protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin. Therefore, our study represents the first report that CD44 stimulation induced by fragmented HA enhances c-Met expression and tyrosine phosphorylation in human chondrosarcoma cells. Taken together, these studies establish a signal transduction cascade or cross-talk emanating from CD44 to c-Met.

Effect of hyaluronan on xenotransplanted breast cancer

Hyaluronan is a major glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix and CD44 is its principal ligand. In previous in vitro studies we have shown that CD44 and hyaluronan are involved in the invasive properties of the human breast cancer cell line Hs578T. The aim of this study was to test whether experimental therapy with hyaluronan interferes with tumor invasion and has an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo. The Hs578T cell line was xenotransplanted orthotopically into the mammary fat pad of nu/nu mice. After tumor growth reached a maximum size of 5 x 5 mm, 50 microg of hyaluronan was injected intratumorally. The tumors of control nu/nu mice were injected with PBS. Four of 12 tumors from the hyaluronan-treated group regressed completely. This effect could be due to a saturation of the hyaluronan-binding sites on tumor cells or to an acceleration of tumor rejection by a non-T-cell-dependent mechanism. This study gives a rationale for future work on the antineoplastic effects of hyaluronan.

Signal transduction via CD44: role of plasma membrane microdomains

CD44 is the principal cell surface receptor for extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. CD44-hyaluronan mediated cell adhesion is important in several pathophysiological processes such as inflammation and metastatic spread of cancer cells. It has been recently recognized that CD44 also functions as a signaling receptor in a variety of cell types. Cell stimulation by monoclonal anti-CD44 antibody or natural CD44 ligands activate several signaling pathways that culminate in cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, chemokine gene expression and cytolytic effector functions. One of the earliest signaling events following stimulation via CD44 is tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins substrates, and CD44 mediated cellular activation could be abolished by protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors. The Src-family non-receptor PTKs such as Lck, Fyn, Lyn and Hck were shown to be coupled to CD44 via sphingolipid-rich microdomains (lipid rafts) of the plasma membrane. Studies on T cell receptor and IgE receptor mediated signaling in lymphocytes and mast cells have consolidated the notion that microdomains consist of signaling platforms where components of multiple signaling pathways are assembled. Co-isolation of CD44 with microdomains strongly suggests that CD44 generates cellular activation signals utilizing the signaling machinery of the plasma membrane microdomains.

Discrete domains within the hyaluronan receptor CD44 regulate membrane localization and cell migration

CD44 is the principle transmembrane receptor for the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronan. This receptor: ligand interaction is required for many normal cellular processes including lymphocyte homing into inflammatory sites, assembly of a pericellular matrix during chondrogenesis, wound healing and tissue morphogenesis during development. In order to mediate these diverse events, CD44 expressing cells must be able to regulate, and respond to, interactions with hyaluronan. The mechanisms responsible have been subject to scrutiny over the past few years as it has become clear that their disruption can underlie the progression of both metastatic tumours and chronic inflammatory diseases. Here we describe recent data identifying discrete regions within the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of CD44 which regulate this important adhesion receptor.

Adhesive and/or Signaling Functions of CD44 Isoforms in Human Dendritic Cells

The regulation and function of the CD44 family of surface glycoproteins were investigated in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Variant CD44 isoform transcripts encoding exons v3, v6, and v9 are differently regulated during the differentiation of monocytes into DCs. TNF-α treatment, which induces the maturation of DCs, up-regulates the expression of all v3-, v6-, and v9-containing isoforms examined. CD44 molecules are involved in the adhesion of DCs to immobilized hyaluronate (HA), and v3- and v6-containing variants participate in this function, whereas anti-CD44v9 mAbs were unable to inhibit DC adhesion to HA. The consequences of ligand binding to CD44 were examined by culturing DCs on dishes coated with HA or various anti-CD44 mAbs. HA, the anti-pan CD44 mAb J173, and mAbs directed against v6- and v9-containing (but not v3-containing) isoforms provoked DC aggregation, phenotypic and functional maturation, and the secretion of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, and granulocyte-macrophage CSF. In addition, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 were released by DCs stimulated with either J173 or HA, although these cytokines were not detected or were found only at low levels in the culture supernatants of DCs treated with anti-CD44v6 or anti-CD44v9 mAbs. Our study points to distinct capacities of the v3-, v6-, and v9-containing isoforms expressed by human DCs to mediate cell adhesion to HA and/or a signal inducing DC maturation and the secretion of cytokines.

Influence of ischaemia-reperfusion injury on CD44 expression in rat small intestine

BACKGROUND

CD44 is an adhesion molecule expressed by neutrophils and lymphocytes which is involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix binding. In this study, the effect of ischaemia-reperfusion injury on CD44 messenger RNA (mRNA) and cell surface immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in the rat small intestine was evaluated.

METHODS

Wistar rats (n=16) were randomized to either serve as controls (sham surgery) or to be subjected to a standardized ischaemia-reperfusion injury (suprarenal aorta occluded for 1 h followed by 1 h of reperfusion). Standardized segments of jejunum were harvested after ischaemia-reperfusion injury (ischaemic and reperfused samples) to measure the mucosal protein and DNA content, mRNA expression of CD44 and the immunohistochemical expression of CD44.

RESULTS

Reperfusion significantly damaged the jejunal mucosa, e.g. mucosal protein content was lower after reperfusion compared with that in the control group (z=-2.31, P=0.02) and the ischaemic samples (z=-2.52, P=001). The expression of cell surface CD44 protein was also significantly decreased after ischaemic injury (z=-1.99, P=0.04); this coincided with a decrease in the amount of cytoplasmic CD44 mRNA within isolated enterocytes (z=-2.31, P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury decreases the expression of CD44 within the jejunal mucosa. This may contribute to the failure of the gut barrier after such injury.

NK cell receptors

NK cells are regulated by opposing signals from receptors that activate and inhibit effector function. While positive stimulation may be initiated by an array of costimulatory receptors, specificity is provided by inhibitory signals transduced by receptors for MHC class I. Three distinct receptor families, Ly49, CD94/NKG2, and KIR, are involved in NK cell recognition of polymorphic MHC class I molecules. A common pathway of inhibitory signaling is provided by ITIM sequences in the cytoplasmic domains of these otherwise structurally diverse receptors. Upon ligand binding and activation, the inhibitory NK cell receptors become tyrosine phosphorylated and recruit tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and possibly SHP-2, resulting in inhibition of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine expression. Recent studies suggest these inhibitory NK cell receptors are members of a larger superfamily containing ITIM sequences, the inhibitory receptor superfamily (IRS).

CD44 Selectively Associates With Active Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases Lck and Fyn in Glycosphingolipid-Rich Plasma Membrane Domains of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

CD44 is the major cell surface receptor for the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and is implicated in a variety of biological events that include embryonic morphogenesis, lymphocyte recirculation, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. CD44 delivers activation signals to T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and macrophages by stimulating protein tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium influx. The mechanism of signal transduction via CD44 remains undefined, although CD44 was shown to physically associate with intracellular protein tyrosine kinase Lck in T lymphocytes. In the present report, we show that a significant proportion of CD44 in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and endothelial cells is associated with low-density plasma membrane fractions that represent specialized plasma membrane domains enriched in glycosphingolipids and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. CD44 and the GPI-anchored CD59 do not appear to directly interact in the low-density membrane fractions. In human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, 20% to 30% of the Src family protein tyrosine kinases, Lck and Fyn, are recovered from these fractions. CD44-associated protein kinase activity was selectively recovered from the low-density membrane fractions, corresponding to glycosphingolipid-rich plasma membrane microdomains. Reprecipitation of the in vitro phosphorylated proteins showed that CD44 associates not only with Lck but also with Fyn kinase in these membrane domains. Our results suggest that cellular stimulation via CD44 may proceed through the signaling machinery of glycosphingolipid-enriched plasma membrane microdomains and, hence, depend on the functional integrity of such domains.

CD44 Selectively Associates With Active Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases Lck and Fyn in Glycosphingolipid-Rich Plasma Membrane Domains of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

CD44 is the major cell surface receptor for the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and is implicated in a variety of biological events that include embryonic morphogenesis, lymphocyte recirculation, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. CD44 delivers activation signals to T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and macrophages by stimulating protein tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium influx. The mechanism of signal transduction via CD44 remains undefined, although CD44 was shown to physically associate with intracellular protein tyrosine kinase Lck in T lymphocytes. In the present report, we show that a significant proportion of CD44 in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and endothelial cells is associated with low-density plasma membrane fractions that represent specialized plasma membrane domains enriched in glycosphingolipids and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. CD44 and the GPI-anchored CD59 do not appear to directly interact in the low-density membrane fractions. In human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, 20% to 30% of the Src family protein tyrosine kinases, Lck and Fyn, are recovered from these fractions. CD44-associated protein kinase activity was selectively recovered from the low-density membrane fractions, corresponding to glycosphingolipid-rich plasma membrane microdomains. Reprecipitation of the in vitro phosphorylated proteins showed that CD44 associates not only with Lck but also with Fyn kinase in these membrane domains. Our results suggest that cellular stimulation via CD44 may proceed through the signaling machinery of glycosphingolipid-enriched plasma membrane microdomains and, hence, depend on the functional integrity of such domains.

The importance of cellular environment to function of the CD44 matrix receptor

Much has been learned recently by experimental manipulation of the structure of CD44 and assessment of the resulting functions. However, even greater structural variation is naturally introduced by CD44-bearing cells. A structural model is now available for the portion of CD44 that recognizes hyaluronan, but it is clear that all domains of the molecule influence CD44 functions.