A novel form of dipeptidylpeptidase IV found in human serum. Isolation, characterization, and comparison with T lymphocyte membrane dipeptidylpeptidase IV (CD26).

Human CD26, a Type II membrane glycoprotein with intrinsic dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPPIV) activity and ability to bind adenosine deaminase type I (ADA-1), is expressed on epithelial cells constitutively, but on T lymphocytes its expression is regulated. A soluble form of CD26/DPPIV has been described in plasma and related to immunological status, but it has been defined by the presence of DPPIV activity rather than by isolation. Using nondenaturing chromatographic techniques followed by nondenaturing native preparative electrophoresis, we obtained a homogeneous preparation of soluble serum DPPIV and compared it with a recombinant soluble CD26/DPPIV (rsCD26). We show that serum DPPIV is a monomer of 175 kDa in contrast to rsCD26 of 105-110 kDa, that it exists as a trimer, and that it is probably a serine proteinase. Deglycosylation removed N-linked sugar from both serum DPPIV and rsCD26; no O-linked glycosylation was observed, revealing a protein core of 130 kDa for serum DPPIV. The large serum form expresses functional DPPIV activity with substrate and inhibitor specificities and pH activity profile similar to those of rsCD26. Epitope analysis showed that monoclonal antibodies against five epitopes expressed by rsCD26 also bound, but more weakly, with serum DPPIV. Analysis of peptides after limiting proteolysis and N-terminal sequences reveals no homology with rsCD26 but some identity with other peptidases. Unlike rsCD26, the serum form does not bind ADA-1 and has no ADA-1 already associated with it. Similarly to rsCD26, serum DPPIV is a potent T cell costimulator. We conclude that the serum form of DPPIV is unique and is not a breakdown product of membrane CD26. The conservation of DPPIV activity and five epitopes specific to rsCD26 suggest, however, a significant structural similarity.