CD44 and allergic asthma: Genetic deficiency of CD44 and CD44 blocking antibodies have been shown to decrease neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte recruitment and attenuate immune disease activity in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis [23], allergic dermatitis [24], peritonitis [25], myositis [26], autoimmune encephalomyelitis [27], autoimmune retinitis [28], and allergic asthma [29].