CD44 is a ubiquitous surface molecule that exists as a number of isofo
rms, generated by alternative splicing of 10 ''variant'' exons. Little
is known about the expression and function of the variant isoforms, e
xcept that certain isoforms may play a role in cancer metastasis. We p
roduced mAbs against CD44 variant regions encoded by exons 4v, 6v, and
9v, by immunizing mice with a fusion protein spanning variant exons 3
v to 10v. A comprehensive analysis of human tissues revealed that CD44
variant isoforms were expressed widely throughout the body, principal
ly by epithelial cells. However there was differential expression of C
D44 variant exons by different epithelia. Most epithelia expressed exo
n 9v, but much fewer expressed 6v or 4v. The regions of epithelia that
expressed the highest levels of the variant isoforms were the generat
ive cells, particularly the basal cells of stratified squamous epithel
ium, and of glandular epithelium. CD44 variant isoforms were also expr
essed differentially by leukocytes, with CD44-9v expressed at very low
levels and CD44-6v and 4v virtually absent. However, CD44-9v and CD44
-6v were the main variants that were transiently upregulated on T cell
s after mitogenic stimulation and on myelomonocytic cell lines by TNFa
lpha and IFN-gamma treatment. Some epithelial cell lines could prefere
ntially upregulate CD44-6v upon IFNgamma incubation. These results sho
w that CD44 variant isoforms are expressed much more widely than first
appreciated, and that expression of the variant isoforms on some cell
types can be modulated by particular cytokines.