Dissecting inflammatory response in intervertebral disc degeneration: triggering of CD44 by IL-1beta

Objectives/Design: Intervertebral Disc (IVD) degeneration has been associated with a chronic inflammatory response, but knowledge on the contribution of distinct IVD cells, namely CD44, to the progression of IVD degeneration remains elusive. Material: Bovine nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Treatment: Stimulation with IL-1beta (10ng/ml). Methods: CD44 NP cells were sorted and compared by gene expression and proteomics with the negative counterpart. Dynamics of CD44 gene and protein expression was analyzed upon pro-inflammatory treatment. Results: CD44 has a multidimensional functional role in IVD metabolism, ECM synthesis and production of neuropermissive factors. CD44 widespread expression in NP has been partially associated with CD14 and CD45, resulting in the identification of distinct cell subsets. Conclusions: This study points out CD44 and CD44-based cell subsets as relevant targets in the modulation of the IVD pro-inflammatory/degenerative cascade.