TNF-α Induction of CD44-Mediated Leukocyte Adhesion by Sulfation

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–α, but not interferon-γ, 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.