DP IV/CD26, APN/CD13 and related enzymes as regulators of T cell immunity: implications for experimental encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Front Biosci. 2008 Jan 1:13:2356-63. doi: 10.2741/2849.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Peptidases like dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV, CD26) and aminopeptidase N (APN, CD13) play a regulatory role in T cell activation and represent potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Synthetic inhibitors of DP IV and/or APN enzymatic activity induce production of the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-beta1 and subsequently suppress DNA synthesis and Th1 cytokine production of activated human T cells. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that IL-17-producing CD4 cells (Th17) are a major contributor to the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation. Here, we report that inhibitors of DP IV-like activity as well as of APN activity inhibit IL-17 production in activated human and mouse T cells. Combining inhibitors of DP IV and APN increases the suppressive effect on T cell specific IL-17 production in vitro compared to a single peptidase inhibitor. In the following, we summarize the evidence for the role of both ectoenzymes in T cell activation in vitro and in vivo and provide a rationale for the use of combined or dual ectopeptidase inhibitors to treat autoimmune diseases like MS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • CD13 Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • CD13 Antigens / metabolism
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / biosynthesis*
  • Encephalomyelitis / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Multiple Sclerosis / enzymology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Peptide Hydrolases / chemistry
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Interleukin-17
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • CD13 Antigens
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4