The role of incretins and incretin-based drugs in autoimmune diseases

Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Sep:98:107845. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107845. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Abstract

Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, GLP-2 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are gastrointestinal peptides secreted from enteroendocrine cells. These hormones play significant roles in many physiological processes via binding to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on different organs and tissues; one of them is the immunomodulatory effect on the immune system and its molecular components such as cytokines and chemokines. Anti-inflammatory effects of incretins and dependent molecules involving long-acting analogs and DPP4 inhibitors through regulation of T and B cell activation may attenuate autoimmune diseases caused by immune system disorders in mistakenly recognizing self as the foreign agent. In this review, we investigate incretin effects on the immune system response and the potential benefits of incretin-based therapy for treating autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; DPP4 inhibitor; GIP; GLP1; Incretin receptor agonist; Incretin-based therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Incretins / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • Incretins