TNF-alpha induction of CD44-mediated leukocyte adhesion by sulfation
Maiti, A.; Maki, G.; Johnson, P.
Science 282(5390): 941-943
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 9794764 Document Number: 491900
Regulation of cell adhesion is important for immune system function. CD44 is a tightly regulated cell adhesion molecule present on leukocytes and implicated in their attachment to endothelium during an inflammatory immune response. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but not interferon-gamma, was found to convert CD44 from its inactive, nonbinding form to its active form by inducing the sulfation of CD44. This posttranslational modification was required for CD44-mediated binding to the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan and to vascular endothelial cells. Sulfation is thus a potential means of regulating CD44-mediated leukocyte adhesion at inflammatory sites.