Immunomodulatory activity of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in immune‐related diseases

Abstract

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), also known as CD26, is a 110‐kDa cell surface glycoprotein with enzymatic and signal transducing activity. DPP‐4/CD26 is expressed by various cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and NK cells. DPP‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) were introduced to clinics in 2006 as new oral antihyperglycemic drugs approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. In addition to glucose‐lowering effects, emerging data, from clinical studies and their animal models, suggest that DPP‐4i could display anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects as well, but the molecular and immunological mechanisms of these actions are insufficiently investigated. This review focuses on the modulatory activity of DPP‐4i in the immune system and the possible application of DPP‐4i in other immune‐related diseases in patients with or without diabetes.