The role of hyaluronan‐binding protein in assembly of pericellular matrices

Hyaluronan‐dependent pericellular matrices or “coats” are expressed by a variety of cell types in culture and modulation of their expression may be important in regulation of cell interactions in vivo during development. Monoclonal antibody IVd4, which recognizes hyaluronan‐binding protein with the properties of a hyaluronan receptor, was shown to block formation of these coats by a variety of cells. Using rat fibro‐sarcoma cells, it was found that the antibody not only blocked initial formation of the coats but also caused their loss when added subsequent to formation. The loss of preformed coats in the presence of antibody occurred at 4° and 37°, implying that the function of hyaluronan‐binding protein in coat formation is not in mediating metabolic processes. The antibody also had no significant effect on hyaluronan production by the fibrosarcoma cells. In addition, hyaluronan hexasaccharide, a competitive inhibitor of the interaction between polymeric hyaluronan and its cell surface receptor, was found to inhibit coat formation. Thus it is concluded that a hyaluronan‐binding protein with the properties of a hyaluronan receptor is required for pericellular matrix formation.