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Published on: May 10, 2022
CD26: an expanding role in immune regulation and cancer
1Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 429, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. nhdang@mail.mdanderson.org
Insights
CD26, a cell surface glycoprotein, plays a key role in immune regulation and cancer. Research explores its potential as a therapeutic target for T cell malignancies and other cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- CD26, also known as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), is a cell surface glycoprotein with diverse biological functions.
- Its role extends beyond basic cell surface expression to active participation in cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted biology of CD26, focusing on its roles in immune regulation and cancer.
- To explore CD26's interactions with other cellular molecules and its implications in disease.
- To evaluate CD26 as a potential therapeutic target for hematological malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CD26 biology, immune function, and cancer association.
- Analysis of research on CD26 interactions with cellular molecules.
- Examination of studies investigating CD26 as a therapeutic target.
Main Results:
- CD26/DPPIV is crucial for T cell activation and chemokine regulation, highlighting its immune modulatory functions.
- Physical associations between CD26 and other cellular molecules have significant functional and clinical implications.
- CD26 is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various human cancers, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Conclusions:
- CD26 is a critical molecule in immune regulation and cancer biology.
- Understanding CD26 interactions provides insights into disease mechanisms.
- CD26 represents a promising molecular target for novel therapeutic strategies against T cell lymphoid and other hematological malignancies.
Abstract:
In this review, we highlight major aspects of the biology of CD26, a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)-containing surface glycoprotein with multiple functions. In particular, we discuss findings demonstrating that CD26/DPPIV has an essential role in immune regulation as a T cell activation molecule and a regulator of chemokine function. We also review recent studies that identify key cellular molecules that physically associate with CD26 and the potential consequences of their interaction, including those with clinically-related implications. Furthermore, we present work suggesting a role for CD26 in the pathogenesis and behavior of selected human cancers, both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We present recent studies that investigate the potential role of CD26 as a molecular target for novel treatment modalities for T cell lymphoid malignancies and possibly other hematological malignancies, with work involving the use of anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody, CD26-transfected cells as well as soluble CD26 molecules.
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