CD26: An expanding role in immune regulation and cancer

N.H. Dang and C. Morimoto

Offprint requests to: Dr. Nam H. Dang, Department of Lymphoma/myeloma, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 429, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Fax: 713-794.5656. e-mail: nhdang@mail.anderson.org

Summary. 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. Histol. Histopathol. 17, 1213-1226 (2002)

Key words: CD26/DPPIV, T cell activation, Chemokine, Hematological malignancies, Cell cycle

DOI: 10.14670/HH-17.1213