Background. Lymphocyte activation and infiltration into a transplanted orga
n is an integral component of the rejection process. Graft infiltration of
lymphocytes requires adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium, diapedesis,
and transmigration. One of several proteins involved in this process is CD
44, which is known to interact with endothelial hyaluronan (HA). Blockade o
f cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions have been used extensively for mod
ulation of immune responses and graft rejection. Based on these observation
s, we evaluated the effects of blocking CD44-HA interactions in a transplan
tation model.
Methods. We used a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulation (LMWHA)
for the treatment of rat renal and cardiac allograft recipients. LMWHA was
administered intraperitoneally at 0.5-5 mg/kg for 5-10 days after transpla
ntation with or without a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporine.
Results. LMWHA monotherapy prolonged allograft survival significantly, but
only for a few days, In combination with low-dose cyclosporine, long-term s
urvival of allografts was observed in some of recipients.
Conclusion. Further definition of the underlying mechanism of LMWHA therapy
may provide a rationale for the development of novel, nontoxic, nonimmunog
enic immunotherapies.