About Human CD26 (DPP4) Protein

CD26, also known as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4, DPPIV), is a multifunctional type II transmembrane glycoprotein and serine exopeptidase encoded by the DPP4 gene. CD26 is widely expressed on activated T lymphocytes, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and numerous other cell types. The protein exists both as a membrane-bound receptor and as a soluble circulating form found in plasma and other body fluids. Functionally, CD26 cleaves N-terminal dipeptides from peptides containing proline or alanine at the penultimate position, thereby regulating the activity of numerous chemokines, cytokines, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones.

CD26 plays important roles in immune regulation, signal transduction, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cell adhesion. The protein acts as a co-stimulatory molecule during T-cell activation and interacts with several binding partners, including adenosine deaminase (ADA), extracellular matrix proteins, and chemokines. Through its enzymatic activity, CD26 regulates incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP, making DPP4 a clinically validated therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. In addition, CD26 has been implicated in cancer progression, fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections.

Structurally, CD26 forms functional homodimers on the cell surface and possesses both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. The receptor participates in immune cell communication, migration, and tissue remodeling, while its soluble form serves as a biomarker in various pathological conditions. Because of its broad biological functions and clinical significance, CD26 remains an important target in immunology, oncology, metabolic disease research, and therapeutic development.

eEnzyme's Human CD26 Protein is a high-quality recombinant protein suitable for studies of DPP4 enzymatic activity, receptor-ligand interactions, antibody development, inhibitor screening, and biomarker research. The protein can be used in functional assays, binding studies, drug discovery programs, immunological investigations, and diagnostic assay development.

Applications of Human CD26 Protein

• DPP4 enzyme activity studies
• Incretin and metabolic pathway research
• Diabetes and obesity drug discovery
• Antibody development and characterization
• Immunology and T-cell activation studies
• Cancer biology research
• Protein-protein interaction assays
• Biomarker and diagnostic assay development

Biological Significance of CD26

CD26 is a multifunctional cell-surface glycoprotein that integrates enzymatic activity with immune regulatory functions. Through cleavage of bioactive peptides, CD26 modulates chemokine signaling, hormone activity, immune cell trafficking, and inflammatory responses. The enzyme is a major regulator of GLP-1 and GIP metabolism and serves as the molecular target of DPP4 inhibitor drugs used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. CD26 also contributes to T-cell activation, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix interactions, and tissue remodeling. Altered CD26 expression or activity has been associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases. Because of its diverse physiological functions and broad therapeutic relevance, CD26 remains an important target for basic research, translational studies, and pharmaceutical development.