TSP1 enhances covalent modification of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor by TSG-6 and transfer of its heavy chains to hyaluronan, suggesting a physiological function of TSP1 binding to TSG-6 in regulation of hyaluronan metabolism at sites of inflammation.
TSG-6 has anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects in various models of inflammation and arthritis, which suggest that it is a component of a negative feedback loop capable of downregulating the inflammatory response.