VCAN (Versican), an extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan, is upregulated alongside other ECM-binding molecules, such as hyaluronan, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6, TSG-6), and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 1 (ITIH1, IαI), during inflammation in various diseases, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. Here, ITIH1 is linked to autoimmune disease.