Title:Evaluation of DPP4/CD26 Potential Role for the Management of
Inflammation in COVID-19 Patients
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Fatemeh Akbarian*, Sanam Rezazadeh Chafjiri, Marziye Poornabi, Farzaneh Khani, Solmaz Abolhasanzadeh and Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini
Affiliation:
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ale-Taha Institute of Higher Education, Tehran, Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, CD26, T cell, cytokine storm.
Abstract:
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible
for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Cell entry of the virus can be mediated
by several enzymes, such as ACE-2, DPP4/CD26, and TMPRSS2, upon viral membrane fusion
through SARS-CoV-2 envelope spike glycoproteins. In docked molecular complexes,
DPP4/CD26 functional receptors and viral spike proteins have a large interface, potentially leading
to inflammation in severe COVID-19.
Objective: The aim of this study is to review the role of DPP4/CD26 in the immune system and its
effects on the production of cytokine storms in COVID-19. Furthermore, we hypothesize that targeting
DPP4/CD26 as a therapeutic strategy could reduce the inflammatory complications of
SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: The current review was conducted using keywords such as COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2,
dipeptidyl peptidase-4, CD26, cytokine storm, and treatment to search for articles in Google Scholar
and PubMed databases that were specifically oriented towards our objectives.
Results: The regulation or inhibition of DPP4/CD26 might affect one or more stages in COVID-19
immuno- pathogenesis due to its associations with many immunological functions, such as modulating
the NF-kB pathway, upregulating CD86 expression, activating proliferation of T cells, and influencing
the antiviral response and cytokine storm in COVID-19. In this regard, the applications of
DPP4/CD26 inhibitors, DPP4/CD26 siRNAs, and CD26 antibodies have been demonstrated to prevent
cytokine storms and airway inflammation.
Conclusion: It is suggested to utilize novel technologies such as CRISPR/Cas and chimeric antigen
receptor T cells, based on their many advantages, to increase the sensitivity and specificity of future
treatment methods.