Anti-CD44-mediated blockade of leukocyte migration in skin-associated immune diseases

J Leukoc Biol. 2007 Jul;82(1):57-71. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0107063. Epub 2007 Apr 18.

Abstract

CD44 plays an important role in leukocyte extravasation, which is fortified in autoimmune diseases and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. There is additional evidence that distinct CD44 isoforms interfere with the extravasation of selective leukocyte subsets. We wanted to explore this question in alopecia areata (AA), a hair-follicle centric autoimmune disease, and in a chronic eczema. The question became of interest because AA is treated efficiently by topical application of a contact sensitizer, such that a mild DTH reaction is maintained persistently. Aiming to support the therapeutic efficacy of a chronic eczema in AA by anti-CD44 treatment, it became essential to control whether a blockade of migration, preferentially of AA effector cells, could be achieved by CD44 isoform-specific antibodies. Anti-panCD44 and anti-CD44 variant 10 isoform (CD44v10) inhibited in vitro migration of leukocytes from untreated and allergen-treated, control and AA mice. In vivo, both antibodies interfered with T cell and monocyte extravasation into the skin; only anti-panCD44 prevented T cell homing into lymph nodes. Contributing factors are disease-dependent alterations in chemokine/chemokine receptor expression and a blockade of CD44 on endothelial cells and leukocytes. It is important that CD44 can associate with several integrins and ICAM-1. Associations depend on CD44 activation and vary with CD44 isoforms and leukocyte subpopulations. CD44 standard isoform preferentially associates with CD49d in T cells and CD44v10 with CD11b in monocytes. Accordingly, anti-panCD44 and anti-CD49d inhibit T cell, anti-CD11b, and anti-CD44v10 macrophage migration most efficiently. Thus, allergen treatment of AA likely can be supported by targeting AA T cells selectively via a panCD44-CD49d-bispecific antibody.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / pharmacology
  • Allergens / therapeutic use
  • Alopecia Areata / drug therapy*
  • Alopecia Areata / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / drug effects*
  • Eczema / drug therapy
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / drug effects*
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / immunology
  • Immune System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Protein Isoforms / immunology
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Protein Isoforms