DPP4 is a glycoprotein receptor that plays a crucial role in the co-stimulatory signal essential for T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T-cell activation . It acts as a positive regulator of T-cell co-activation by binding to several molecules, including adenosine deaminase (ADA), caveolin-1 (CAV1), insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC) .
The enzyme cleaves dipeptides from the N-terminus of polypeptides, specifically targeting Xaa-Pro dipeptides . This activity allows DPP4 to regulate various physiological processes by cleaving peptides in circulation or on the cell surface . Its biological substrates include chemokines, mitogenic growth factors, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones .
Recombinant human DPP4 is produced using various expression systems, including CHO cells and HEK293 cells . The recombinant protein typically contains a specific amino acid sequence and may include tags for purification purposes . It is available in different formulations and concentrations, depending on the intended use .
DPP4 has been implicated in several diseases, including type-2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and atherosclerosis . It is also known to interact with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike entry glycoprotein in Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) . Due to its involvement in these conditions, DPP4 is a target for therapeutic interventions and a subject of extensive research.
In clinical settings, DPP4 inhibitors are used to manage type-2 diabetes by preventing the degradation of incretin hormones, thereby enhancing insulin secretion and lowering blood glucose levels . In research, recombinant human DPP4 is utilized to study its enzymatic activity, interactions with other molecules, and potential therapeutic applications .