Tissue integrity signals communicated by highmolecular weight hyaluronan and the resolution of inflammation

Abstract

The extracellular matrix polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) exerts size-dependent effects on leukocyte behavior. Low-molecular weight HA is abundant at sites of active tissue catabolism and promotes inflammation via effects on Tolllike receptor signaling. Conversely, high-molecular weight HA is prevalent in uninjured tissues and is anti-inflammatory. We propose that the ability of high-molecular weight but not low-molecular weight HA to cross-link CD44 functions as a novel form of pattern recognition that recognizes intact tissues and communicates "tissue integrity signals" that promote resolution of local immune responses. © Springer Science+Business Media 2014.