CD44 antigen (CD44)

Receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA). Mediates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions through its affinity for HA, and possibly also through its affinity for other ligands such as osteopontin, collagens, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Adhesion with HA plays an important role in cell migration, tumor growth and development. In cancer cells, may play an significant role in invadopodia formation.