CD44 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Interactions between osteopontin (OPN) and CD44 have been reported to inhibit the expression of the IL‐10 Th2 cytokine; additionally, these interactions have been shown to be involved in inflammatory response.25 Long‐term alcohol usage may induce liver cell injury and cause a sustained immune response, which might explain the possible role of the CD44 polymorphisms in HCC.25