Dipeptidylpeptidase 4 as a Marker of Activated Fibroblasts and a Potential Target for the Treatment of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

DPP-4 characterizes a population of activated fibroblasts and shows that DPP-4 regulates TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation in the fibrotic skin of SSc patients. Inhibition of DPP4 exerts potent antifibrotic effects when administered in well-tolerated doses. As DPP4 inhibitors are already in clinical use for diabetes, these results may have direct translational implications for the treatment of fibrosis in patients with SSc.