Disclosed are compositions and methods involving the use of PRG4 protein, also known as lubricin, to mechanically inhibit biological processes involving cell motility and adhesion. The methods and compositions may be used to develop a variety of specific therapies and compositions, often exploited through surgical procedures, where development of the pathology involves one or more of the following modes of action: 1) the passage of cells from one body compartment to another, 2) adherence of macrophages to substrates such as fibrin or exposed extra cellular matrix, 3) binding of platelets to fibrin, or 4) failure of function of the glycocalyx on exposed epithelial cell surfaces, e.g., within the vasculature. In these instances PRG4 glycoprotein adheres to extracellular matrix or cell surfaces and presents a glycol-surface of polysaccharide which blocks the mechanisms of cell motility, extravasation, or intravasation, inhibits sticking of macrophages and platelets, and/or serves as a substitute or mimic of native glycocalyx.
