[Hyaluronan in inflammation, auto-immunity and cardio-vascular diseases]

Hyaluronan (H) is an ubiquitous high-molecular size glycosaminoglycan involved in many physiological functions. Evidences are numerous implying H in various pathological pathways, such as inflammation, cancer cardio-vascular diseases. CD44 is the principal membrane cell receptor of H. In inflammation, H has size-specific different biological activities. The high molecular weight H are anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. Smaller H oligomers are angiogenic, inflammatory and immuno-stimulatory. H is strongly involved in the recruitment of leucocytes at the site of inflammation (role of CD44). Data giving evidence for a role of H in allergic pathways and auto-immunity are scarce. H is implicated in pathogenetic process leading to atherosclerosis.