CD44-dependent Manner Research Articles

Amino-terminal fragments of laminin γ2 chain stimulate migration of metastatic breast cancer cells by interacting with CD44.

Laminin γ2 (Lmγ2) chain, a subunit of the basement membrane protein laminin-332, is regarded as a typical cancer invasion marker. The overexpression of Lmγ2 chain by invasive cancer cells correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients, and its forced expression in human cancer cells promotes their invasive growth in a nude mouse model. However, its actual roles in cancer progression, as well as the mechanism of its proinvasive effect, remain unclear. CD44 is known to be an important cancer stem cell marker and support cancer progression and stem cell functions. Here we demonstrate that amino-terminal fragments of Lmγ2 interact with CD44 on the membrane of breast cancer cells. Lmγ2 highly bound to the metastatic cell line MDA-MB-231 but poorly to the benign cell line MCF-7. The membrane receptor for Lmγ2 on MDA-MB-231 cells was identified to be the standard form of CD44 (CD44s) by co-immunoprecipitation, affinity chromatography and direct protein interaction assay. Lmγ2 interacted with CD44s through EGF-like repeat 2/3 in the Lmγ2 amino-terminus. Amino-terminal fragments of Lmγ2 induced the phosphorylation of CD44 cytoplasmic domain and stimulated migration of the cancer cells in a CD44-dependent manner. This migration was blocked by inhibitors of TGF-β receptor I (TGF-βRI) kinase. These results suggest that two important tumor markers, Lmγ2 and CD44, cooperate for cancer progression and possibly for cancer stem cell functions. TGF-βRI may be involved in the Lmγ2/CD44 interaction.

Tumor-derived osteopontin suppresses antitumor immunity by accumulating myeloid progenitor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (TUM6P.1012)

Abstract Extramedullary myelopoiesis occurs commonly in tumor-bearing animals and is known to lead to accumulation of peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which play an important role in immune escape. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which tumors induce extramedullary myelopoiesis are poorly understood. In this study, we found that osteopontin expressed by tumor cells enhances extramedullary myelopoiesis in a CD44-dependent manner through the Erk1/2-MAPK pathway. Osteopontin-mediated extramedullary myelopoiesis was directly associated with increased MDSCs in tumor-bearing hosts. More importantly, osteopontin silencing in tumor cells delayed both tumor growth and extramedullary myelopoiesis, while the same treatment did not affect tumor growth in vitro. Finally, treatment with an antibody against osteopontin inhibited tumor growth and synergized with cell-based immunotherapeutic vaccines in mediating antitumor immunity. Our findings unveil a novel immunosuppressive role for tumor-derived osteopontin and offer a rationale for its therapeutic targeting in cancer treatment.

Tumor-derived osteopontin suppresses antitumor immunity by promoting extramedullary myelopoiesis.

Extramedullary myelopoiesis occurs commonly in tumor-bearing animals and is known to lead to accumulation of peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which play an important role in immune escape. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which tumors induce extramedullary myelopoiesis are poorly understood. In this study, we found that osteopontin expressed by tumor cells enhances extramedullary myelopoiesis in a CD44-dependent manner through the Erk1/2-MAPK pathway. Osteopontin-mediated extramedullary myelopoiesis was directly associated with increased MDSCs in tumor-bearing hosts. More importantly, osteopontin silencing in tumor cells delayed both tumor growth and extramedullary myelopoiesis, while the same treatment did not affect tumor growth in vitro. Finally, treatment with an antibody against osteopontin inhibited tumor growth and synergized with cell-based immunotherapeutic vaccines in mediating antitumor immunity. Our findings unveil a novel immunosuppressive role for tumor-derived osteopontin and offer a rationale for its therapeutic targeting in cancer treatment.

Exogenous and endogenous hyaluronic acid reduces HIV infection of CD4(+) T cells.

Preventing mucosal transmission of HIV is critical to halting the HIV epidemic. Novel approaches to preventing mucosal transmission are needed. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major extracellular component of mucosa and the primary ligand for the cell surface receptor CD44. CD44 enhances HIV infection of CD4+ T cells, but the role of HA in this process is not clear. To study this, virions were generated with CD44 (HIVCD44) or without CD44 (HIVmock). Exogenous HA reduced HIV infection of unstimulated CD4+ T cells in a CD44-dependent manner. Conversely, hyaluronidase-mediated reduction of endogenous HA on the cell surface enhanced HIV binding to and infection of unstimulated CD4+ T cells. Exogenous HA treatment reduced activation of protein kinase C alpha via CD44 on CD4+ T cells during infection with HIVCD44. These results reveal new roles for HA during the interaction of HIV with CD4+ T cells that may be relevant to mucosal HIV transmission and could be exploitable as a future strategy to prevent HIV infection.

Hyaluronan from human breast milk induces the expression of galectins 4 and 8 in intestinal epithelium (623.24)

Human milk glycans play an important role in protecting infants from bacterial infections by providing antimicrobial molecules and promoting development of beneficial microbiota. We have shown that hyaluronan from human milk (milk HA), a milk glycan polymer, induces the expression of human beta defensin 2 (HBD2), an antimicrobial peptide in vitro and the mouse orthologue in vivo, through a Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD44 dependent manner. Importantly, milk HA reduces Salmonella infection of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. We hypothesized that in addition to HBD2, additional antimicrobial molecules are regulated by HA. Our data suggest that Galectins 4 and 8 (Gal4 and 8) are regulated by milk HA. Gal4 and 8 mediate killing of blood group B expressing pathogenic E.coli and Gal8 plays a role in Salmonella killing. Our result shows that in epithelial cells, milk HA increases LGALS 4 and 8 mRNA expression levels ~4‐fold. Immunofluorescence histochemistry of intestinal tissue demonstrated that after milk HA treatment of mice, Gal 4 and 8 proteins are upregulated in and around luminal epithelium in vivo. In conclusion, HA treatment enhances the expression of galectins in intestinal epithelium and is a potential mechanism of protection from Salmonella infection.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NICHD

Rb Suppresses Collective Invasion, Circulation and Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells in CD44-Dependent Manner

Basal-like breast carcinomas (BLCs) present with extratumoral lymphovascular invasion, are highly metastatic, presumably through a hematogenous route, have augmented expression of CD44 oncoprotein and relatively low levels of retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor. However, the causal relation among these features is not clear. Here, we show that Rb acts as a key suppressor of multiple stages of metastatic progression. Firstly, Rb suppresses collective cell migration (CCM) and CD44-dependent formation of F-actin positive protrusions in vitro and cell-cluster based lymphovascular invasion in vivo. Secondly, Rb inhibits the release of single cancer cells and cell clusters into the hematogenous circulation and subsequent metastatic growth in lungs. Finally, CD44 expression is required for collective motility and all subsequent stages of metastatic progression initiated by loss of Rb function. Altogether, our results suggest that Rb/CD44 pathway is a crucial regulator of CCM and metastatic progression of BLCs and a promising target for anti-BLCs therapy.

Hyaluronan-CD44 Interaction Promotes Growth of Decidual Stromal Cells in Human First-Trimester Pregnancy

Hyaluronan (HA) and its receptor CD44 are expressed at the maternal-fetal interface, but its role in early pregnancy remains unclear. Here, we found that primary decidual stromal cells (DSCs) continuously secreted HA and expressed its receptor CD44. Pregnancy-associated hormones up-regulated HA synthetase (HAS) 2 transcription and HA release from DSCs. High molecular weight-HA (HMW-HA), but not medium molecular weight (MMW-HA) or low molecular weight (LMW-HA), promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of DSCs in a CD44-dependent manner. The in-cell Western analysis revealed HMW-HA activated PI3K/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK1/2 signaling pathways time-dependently. Blocking these pathways by specific inhibitor LY294002 or U0126 abrogated HMW-HA-regulated DSc proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, we have found that HA content, HA molecular weight, HAS2 mRNA level, and CD44 expression were significantly decreased in DSCs from unexplained miscarriage compared with the normal pregnancy. Collectively, our results indicate that higher level and greater molecular mass of HA at maternal-fetal interface contributes to DSc growth and maintenance of DSCs in human early pregnancy.

TSG-6 Produced by hMSCs Delays the Onset of Autoimmune Diabetes by Suppressing Th1 Development and Enhancing Tolerogenicity

Genetic and immunological screening for type 1 diabetes has led to the possibility of preventing disease in susceptible individuals. Here, we show that human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) and tumor necrosis factor-α–stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6), a protein produced by hMSCs in response to signals from injured tissues, delayed the onset of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice by inhibiting insulitis and augmenting regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the pancreas. Importantly, hMSCs with a knockdown of tsg-6 were ineffective at delaying insulitis and the onset of diabetes in mice. TSG-6 inhibited the activation of both T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a CD44-dependent manner. Moreover, multiple treatments of TSG-6 rendered APCs more tolerogenic, capable of enhancing Treg generation and delaying diabetes in an adoptive transfer model. Therefore, these results could provide the basis for a novel therapy for the prevention of type 1 diabetes.

Triggering of CD44 by Ultra-Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan Induces Cell Death by Autophagy Via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with MLL Gene Rearrangements

AbstractAbstract 1361Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with MLL gene rearrangements (MLL+ALL) is chemoresistant and its prognosis is still dismal. MLL+ALL shows a unique gene profile clearly distinguishable from other types of ALL and AML, and CD44 is known as one of specific molecules expressed very highly in MLL+ALL. CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein recently attracting an attention as a cancer stem cell marker for several types of cancers, is expressed on a variety of cells, and has the specific binding sites for hyaluronic acid (HA, formally hyaluronan). High-molecular-weight (HMW)-HA which exists as extracellular matrix in tissues is incorporated into cells in a CD44-dependent manner, and then is secreted from cells as low-molecular-weight (LMW) to ultra-low-molecular-weight (ULMW)-HA in normal and pathological conditions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biological events elicited after ligand stimulation of CD44 by using distinct molecular sizes of HA (2.5mg/ml) in MLL+ALL. When cultured in the presence of ULMW-HA (6.4kDa), but not of LMW-HA (31kDa) or HMW-HA (980kDa), thymidine uptakes of cell lines expressing CD44 at very high levels (KOPB-26 and YACL-95) were gradually inhibited in the course of culture from day3 through day5 (greater than 90% decrease at day5), although those expressing CD44 at very low levels (KOCL58, KOCL69) were largely unaffected. Cell cycle analysis of KOPB-26 and YACL-95 using propidium iodide (PI) staining after ULMW-HA stimulation revealed no increase in G0/G1 and G2/M phases and subdiploid population, suggesting that a marked inhibition of thymidine uptakes is neither due to cell cycle arrest nor induction of apoptosis. Dye exclusion test showed a marked decrease in viability at days 3–5 after ULMW-HA stimulation, and flow cytometric analysis showed a gradual increase in the low FSC/high SSC population doubly labeled by Annexin V and PI. However, cytospine smears revealed a massive cell death lacking features characteristic of apoptosis. In addition, pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD did not block cell death and cleaved caspase 3 was not detected on flow cytometric analysis after ULMW-HA stimulation, resulting in the conclusion that ULMW-HA-induced cell death is not elicited by induction of apoptosis. Although levels of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) usually used as a necrosis marker was progressively elevated in culture media after ULMW-HA stimulation, the necrosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1 did not block the ULMW-HA-induced cell death. Finally, electromicroscopic examination was performed and revealed a marked extension of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an increase in autophagsomes, and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine specifically suppressed cell death, indicating that ULMW-HA strongly induces ER stress leading to cell death by autophagy. Changes in ER stress and autophagy-associated molecules after ULMW-HA stimulation were also demonstrated. In conclusion, triggering of CD44 by ULMW-HA stimulation strongly elicits cell death by autophagy via ER stress in chemoresistant MLL+ALL. CD44-targeted therapy by ULMW-HA possibly becomes a useful strategy not only for MLL+ALL but also for CD44-high hematological and non-hematological tumors particularly for those in which the cancer stem cell population is highly positive for CD44. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Human mesenchymal stem cells are recruited to injured liver in a β1-integrin and CD44 dependent manner

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown benefit in clinical trials of patients with liver disease. Efficient delivery of cells to target organs is critical to improving their effectiveness. This requires an understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular engraftment into the liver. Binding of hMSCs to normal/injured liver tissue, purified extracellular matrices, and human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) were quantified in static and flow conditions. To define the mechanisms underpinning hMSC interactions, neutralizing adhesion molecule antibodies were used. Fluorescently labelled hMSCs were infused intraportally into CCl(4) -injured mice with and without neutralizing antibodies. hMSCs expressed high levels of CD29/β1-integrin and CD44. Using liver tissue binding assays, hMSC adhesion was greatest in diseased human liver versus normal liver (32.2 cells/field versus 20.5 cells/field [P = 0.048]). Neutralizing antibodies against CD29 and CD44 reduced hMSC binding to diseased liver by 34% and 35%, respectively (P = 0.05). hMSCs rolled at 528 μm/second on HSECs in flow assays. This rolling was abolished by CD29 blockade on hMSCs and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) blockade on HSECs. Firm adhesion to HSECs was reduced by CD29 (55% [P = 0.002]) and CD44 (51% [P = 0.04]) blockade. Neutralizing antibodies to CD29 and CD44 reduced hepatic engraftment of hMSCs in murine liver from 4.45 cells/field to 2.88 cells/field (P = 0.025) and 2.35 cells/field (P = 0.03), respectively. hMSCs expressed modest levels of chemokine receptors including CCR4, CCR5, and CXCR3, but these made little contribution to hMSC adhesion in this setting. hMSCs bind preferentially to injured liver. Rolling of hMSCs is regulated by CD29/VCAM-1, whereas CD29/CD44 interactions with VCAM-1, fibronectin, and hyaluronan on HSECs determine firm adhesion both in vitro and in vivo as demonstrated using a murine model of liver injury.

Lipid raft/caveolae signaling is required for Cryptococcus neoformans invasion into human brain microvascular endothelial cells

BackgroundCryptococcus neoformans has a predilection for central nervous system infection. C. neoformans traversal of the blood brain barrier, composed of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), is the crucial step in brain infection. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between Cryptococcus neoformans and HBMEC, relevant to its brain invasion, is still largely unknown.MethodsIn this report, we explored several cellular and molecular events involving the membrane lipid rafts and caveolin-1 (Cav1) of HBMEC during C. neoformans infection. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to examine the roles of Cav1. The knockdown of Cav1 by the siRNA treatment was performed. Phosphorylation of Cav1 relevant to its invasion functions was investigated.ResultsWe found that the host receptor CD44 colocalized with Cav1 on the plasma membrane, and knockdown of Cav1 significantly reduced the fungal ability to invade HBMEC. Although the CD44 molecules were still present, HBMEC membrane organization was distorted by Cav1 knockdown. Concomitantly, knockdown of Cav1 significantly reduced the fungal crossing of the HBMEC monolayer in vitro. Upon C. neoformans engagement, host Cav1 was phosphorylated in a CD44-dependent manner. This phosphorylation was diminished by filipin, a disrupter of lipid raft structure. Furthermore, the phosphorylated Cav1 at the lipid raft migrated inward to the perinuclear localization. Interestingly, the phospho-Cav1 formed a thread-like structure and colocalized with actin filaments but not with the microtubule network.ConclusionThese data support that C. neoformans internalization into HBMEC is a lipid raft/caveolae-dependent endocytic process where the actin cytoskeleton is involved, and the Cav1 plays an essential role in C. neoformans traversal of the blood-brain barrier.

P85 Human mesenchymal stem cells bind preferentially to injured liver in a β1-integrin and CD44 dependent manner

IntroductionHuman bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells which have been considered in liver repair due to their immunomodulatory properties. However, they have also been implicated in liver fibrogenesis....

Fragmented hyaluronan is an autocrine chemokinetic motility factor supported by the HAS2-HYAL2/CD44 system on the plasma membrane

Hyaluronan (HA) is synthesized by HA synthase (HAS) 1, HAS2 and HAS3, and degraded by hyaluronidase (HYAL) 1 and HYAL2 in a CD44-dependent manner. HA and HYALs are intricately involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Random cell movement is generally described as chemokinesis, and represents an important step at the beginning of tumor cell liberation from the primary site. To investigate the roles of HAS2 and HYAL2/CD44 in cell motility, we examined HeLa-S3 cells showing spontaneous chemokinesis. HeLa-S3 cells expressed HAS2 and HAS3. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HAS2 decreased spontaneous chemokinesis of HeLa-S3 cells. Although HeLa-S3 cells secreted 50 ng/ml of high molecular weight (HMW)-HA (peak: 990 kDa) into the culture supernatant after 6 h of culture, exogenously added HMW-HA did not enhance spontaneous chemokinesis of the cells. These observations suggested that HeLa-S3 cells may have a self-degrading system for HA to regulate their spontaneous chemokinesis. To examine this possibility, we investigated the effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of HYAL2 or CD44 on the spontaneous chemokinesis of HeLa-S3 cells. Knockdown of either molecule decreased the spontaneous chemokinesis of the cells. Low molecular weight (LMW)-HA (23 kDa) reversed the HYAL2 siRNA-mediated reduction in spontaneous chemokinesis of HeLa-S3 cells to the level in control cells stimulated with the same HA. These findings indicate that the HAS2-HYAL2/CD44 system may support spontaneous chemokinesis of human cancer cells through self-degradation of HMW-HA to produce LMW-HA by an autocrine mechanism. Consequently, our study may further expand our understanding of HA functions in cancer.

ECM components guide IL-10 producing regulatory T-cell (TR1) induction from effector memory T-cell precursors

We describe a role for ECM as a biosensor for inflammatory microenvironments that plays a critical role in peripheral immune tolerance. We show that hyaluronan (HA) promotes induction of Foxp3- IL-10-producing regulatory T cells (TR1) from conventional T-cell precursors in both murine and human systems. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of an ECM component inducing regulatory T cells. Intact HA, characteristic of healing tissues, promotes induction of TR1 capable of abrogating disease in an IL-10-dependent mouse colitis model whereas fragmentary HA, typical of inflamed tissues, does not, indicating a decisive role for tissue integrity in this system. The TR1 precursor cells in this system are CD4(+)CD62L(-)FoxP3(-), suggesting that effector memory cells assume a regulatory phenotype when they encounter their cognate antigen in the context of intact HA. Matrix integrity cues might thereby play a central role in maintaining peripheral tolerance. This TR1 induction is mediated by CD44 cross-linking and signaling through p38 and ERK1/2. This induction is suppressed, also in a CD44-dependent manner, by osteopontin, a component of chronically inflamed ECM, indicating that CD44 signaling serves as a nexus for fate decisions regarding TR1 induction. Finally, we demonstrate that TR1 induction signals can be recapitulated using synthetic matrices. These results reveal important roles for the matrix microenvironment in immune regulation and suggest unique strategies for immunomodulation.

Thymus-derived innate CD8+CD44hi T cells display features of antigen-experienced T cells with bystander helper properties (153.43)

Abstract Innate CD8 T cells are abundant in several transcription factors (TFs)-deficient mouse models, but little is known about their development in wild-type animals. We used the RAG2-GFP mouse model to discriminate between memory, naïve classic and innate TCRαβ CD8 cells in the thymus. Relative to classic T cells, innate thymocytes display increased levels of numerous cell surface molecules (TCR, CD2, CD3, CD5, CD38, CD62L, B7H1) and enhanced expression of the TFs T-bet, EOMES, Id3 and KFL2. Hematopoietic chimera studies revealed that non-hematopoietic MHCI+ cells are required for innate CD8 T cell selection in the thymus. Mice expressing the transgenic OTI TCR generate both classic and innate CD8 thymocytes suggesting that both subsets have overlapping TCR repertoires. Innate CD8 T cells were also found to rapidly produce high levels of IFNγ upon stimulation and to readily proliferate in response to IL2 and IL4. Under lymphopenic conditions, classic CD8 T cell expansion was 2-3 fold greater than that of innate T cells, which constitutively express B7H1 making them unduly susceptible to apoptosis. To test their bystander properties, we added classic or innate T cells as third-party cells to an in vitro antigen presentation assay. Innate T cells were capable of promoting the proliferation and activation of responding T cells in a CD44-dependent manner. These observations show that innate CD8 T cells represent a subset of thymocytes that differ in many ways from classic CD8 T cells.

Dentin matrix protein 1 induces membrane expression of VE-cadherin on endothelial cells and inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR-2 phosphorylation

AbstractDentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a member of the small integrin–binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, a group of proteins initially described as mineralized extracellular matrices components. More recently, SIBLINGs have been implicated in several key steps of cancer progression, including angiogenesis. Although proangiogenic activities have been demonstrated for 2 SIBLINGs, the role of DMP1 in angiogenesis has not yet been addressed. We demonstrate that this extracellular matrix protein induced the expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), a key regulator of intercellular junctions and contact inhibition of growth of endothelial cells that is also known to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) activity, the major high-affinity receptor for VEGF. DMP1 induced VE-cadherin and p27Kip1 expression followed by cell-cycle arrest in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a CD44-dependent manner. VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis responses were specifically blocked on DMP1 pretreatment of HUVECs. Indeed, after VE-cadherin induction, DMP1 inhibited VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and Src-mediated signaling. However, DMP1 did not interfere with basic fibroblast growth factor–induced angiogenesis. In vivo, DMP1 significantly reduced laser-induced choroidal neovascularization lesions and tumor-associated angiogenesis. These data enable us to put DMP1 on the angiogenic chessboard for the first time and to identify this protein as a new specific inhibitor of VEGF-induced angiogenesis.

NADPH Oxidases Regulate CD44 and Hyaluronic Acid Expression in Thrombin-treated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and in Atherosclerosis

The intracellular signaling events by which NADPH oxidase-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function and atherogenesis are yet to be entirely elucidated. We previously demonstrated that NADPH oxidase deficiency decreased atherosclerosis in apoE(-/-) mice and identified adhesion protein CD44 as an important ROS-sensitive gene expressed in VSMC and atherosclerotic lesions. Here, we examined the molecular mechanisms by which NADPH oxidase-generated ROS regulate the expression of CD44 and its principal ligand, hyaluronan (HA), and how CD44-HA interaction affects VSMC proliferation and migration and inflammatory gene expression in apoE(-/-) mice aortas. Thrombin-induced CD44 expression is mediated by transcription factor AP-1 in a NADPH oxidase-dependent manner. NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS generation enhanced thrombin-induced HA synthesis, and hyaluronan synthase 2 expression in VSMC. Hyaluronidase, which generates low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA), is induced in VSMC in a NADPH oxidase-dependent manner and LMW-HA stimulated ROS generation and cell proliferation in wild-type but not p47(phox-/-) VSMC, effects that were enhanced by thrombin pretreatment. Haptotactic VSMC migration toward HA was increased by thrombin in a CD44-dependent manner. HA expression in atherosclerotic lesions and plasma-soluble CD44 and HA levels were higher in apoE(-/-) compared with apoE(-/-)/p47(phox-/-) mice. HA-regulated pro-inflammatory gene expression was higher in apoE(-/-) than apoE(-/-)/p47(phox-/-) mouse aortas. GKT136901, a specific inhibitor of Nox1- and Nox4-containing NADPH oxidase activity, attenuated ROS generation and atherosclerosis and decreased CD44 and HA expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Together, these data suggest that increased CD44 and HA expression and CD44-HA-dependent gene regulation may play a role in atherosclerosis stimulated by NADPH oxidase activation.

Paclitaxel-clusters coated with hyaluronan as selective tumor-targeted nanovectors

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a widely used anti-tumor agent in the treatment of solid tumors. Lack of selective strategies to target PTX into tumor cells together with poor solubility necessitating detergent, are severe clinical limitations. To address these hurdles, we devised a strategy that utilized PTX insolubility, mixing it with lipids that self-assemble into nanoparticle-like clusters. These clusters were then coated with hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and termed PTX-GAGs. These particles, delivered PTX selectively into tumor cells in a CD44-dependent manner. Injected systemically to mice bearing solid tumors, the PTX-GAGs showed high safety profile and tumor accumulation. Tumor progression was exponential upon treatment with free PTX or PTX in albumin nanoparticles (the FDA-approved Taxol ® and Abraxane ®, respectively). Under the same conditions, PTX-GAGs induced tumor arrest and were as potent as a 4-fold higher Taxol ® dose. Our findings suggest GAGs merit further investigation as vehicles for taxanes, and may be applicable as carriers in other therapeutic settings.

Abstract 1446: Effect of PF-03475952, a potent and neutralizing CD44 antibody, on cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and metastasis in two orthotopic models

Abstract Effect of PF-03475952, a potent and neutralizing CD44 antibody, on cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and metastasis in two orthotopic models Yuli Wang, Jean wang, Gary Li, Amy Jackson-Fisher, Brett Simmons, Eugenia Kraynov, Christy Ji, Baiyong Li, and David Pocalyko Pfizer Global Research & Development, San Diego, CA 92121 CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein that has multiple functions. It can act as a receptor for ligands such as hyaluronic acid and osteopontin. Additionally, it can function as co-receptor to modulate the activation of growth factor receptors such as c-met & ERBB. CD44 can also influence cell signaling through interaction with components of the actin cytoskeleton such as the ERM protein. CD44 expression is increased in many types of human cancer. It is also a cell surface marker for cancer stem cells in breast cancer and HCC. In HCC, CD44 overexpression is a frequent event (∼30% based on several reports) and CD44 up regulation is associated with metastasis and poor patient survival. Down regulation of CD44 with RNAi knockdown or neutralizing antibody has been reported to reduce tumor metastasis, recurrence, and growth in different models. PF-03475952 is a fully human IgG2 anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody that was initially developed as a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis. It was shown previously that the PF-03475952 can disrupt the interaction of CD44 with its ligand, hyaluronic acid. The antibody binding induces loss of CD44 from the cell surface, and inhibits LPS-induced cytokine release from various leukocytes. In this report, we evaluated the potential of PF-03475952 as a cancer adjuvant therapy for HCC. HCC is the third most deadly forms of cancer world-wide with frequent early recurrence due to inter and extra hepatic metastasis. The effect of PF-03475952 on cancer metastasis was first demonstrated in an M24met melanoma model. The expression of CD44 and the effects of PF-03475952 on HCC cell lines were then characterized. In vitro, PF-03475952 was able to reduce cell adhesion and promote apoptosis in a CD44-dependent manner. More importantly, PF-03475952 can reduce lung metastasis in a CD44-positive HCC orthotopic model. The study suggested that the CD44 neutralizing antibody, PF-03475952, could be an efficacious agent as adjuvant therapy to prevent cancer metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1446.

ADAM10 Is the Constitutive Functional Sheddase of CD44 in Human Melanoma Cells

CD44 proteins are cell surface receptors for hyaluronic acid (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix that has multiple effects on cell behavior. CD44 can be shed from the cell surface by proteolytic cleavage. The resulting soluble form can interfere with the interaction between HA and membrane-bound CD44. Soluble CD44 can abolish the cell proliferation-promoting effect of HA on melanoma cell lines, suggesting that a better understanding of the shedding process might identify ways of blocking tumor cell proliferation. ADAM10, ADAM17, and MMP14 have previously been implicated in the shedding of CD44 from various tumor cells. Using immunohistochemistry we demonstrate that ADAM10 and ADAM17 but not MMP14 are significantly expressed on melanoma cells in histological sections. In human melanoma cell lines expression of these proteases could be blocked by transfection with appropriate siRNAs. However, only blocking of ADAM10 expression led to decreased shedding of CD44. In parallel, cell proliferation was promoted. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that ADAM10 and CD44 colocalize on the cell surface. We conclude that ADAM10 is the predominant protease involved in the constitutive shedding of endogenous CD44 from melanoma cells, and that enhancement of ADAM10 activity could be an approach to decrease the proliferation of melanoma cells.