Enables hyaluronic acid binding activity and type II transforming growth factor beta receptor binding activity. Contributes to cytokine binding activity and cytokine receptor activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of T cell activation; positive regulation of protein phosphorylation; and regulation of intracellular signal transduction. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including Wnt signaling pathway; morphogenesis of a branching epithelium; and wound healing involved in inflammatory response. Located in basolateral plasma membrane; external side of plasma membrane; and microvillus. Part of macrophage migration inhibitory factor receptor complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; branchial arch; central nervous system; genitourinary system; and limb. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in breast carcinoma (multiple); carcinoma (multiple); and prostate cancer. Orthologous to human CD44 (CD44 molecule (Indian blood group)).