CD26/DPP4 levels in peripheral blood and T cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis with normal thyroid function

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Thyroid Research

Background:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid.
• CD26 is a cell surface glycoprotein with roles in immune regulation.
• Understanding CD26's role in early-stage HT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate CD26 expression in peripheral blood and T cells of HT patients with normal thyroid function.
• To evaluate the association between CD26 levels and thyroid autoantibodies, including thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb).

Main Methods:

• Collected peripheral blood and thyroid tissues from healthy controls and HT patients.
• Measured serum CD26 using ELISA and membrane-bound CD26 on T cells via flow cytometry.
• Utilized immunochemistry for thyroid tissue CD26 evaluation and correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• CD26 expression was significantly lower in serum and thyroid tissues of HT patients compared to controls.
• Serum CD26 levels showed a negative correlation with TGAb.
• No significant correlation was found between membrane-bound CD26 on T cells and autoantibodies, nor between serum CD26 and T cell CD26 expression.

Conclusions:

• Serum CD26 levels are associated with TGAb in HT patients who maintain normal thyroid function.
• CD26 may serve as a potential biomarker in early-stage Hashimoto's thyroiditis.