To determine whether such interactions result in T-cell activation, we examined the commonly used T-cell activation markers in HIV infection, CD38 and HLA-DR, following stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies in the presence or absence of recombinant Gal-9 and anti-CD44 or anti-CD137 blocking antibodies for 48 hours. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is HIV infectious disease.