CD44 role in T cell extravasation to inflammation site and cancer metastatic potential.
CD44 or HCAM (homing cell adhesion molecules) is a glycoprotein expressed at the surface of a variety of cells. It is a receptor for hyaluronic acid, matrix metalloproteinases, collagen and various other ligands. Multiple isoforms of the protein are produced through a complex alternative splicing each with different functions and binding.
In physiological condition, it plays an important role in T cell rolling and extravasation to the infiltration site. Moreover, its presence is also associated with cancer cells with stem cell-like properties and increased metastatic potential. The various isoforms can be expressed at different levels and varies from through the different types of cancer. Due to its important role in metastatic spreading, it has been a target for different immunotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches in the past years.We also offer anas part of ourreagent for those studying this multifaceted infiltration receptor.