[Role of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and its inhibitor in the respiratory diseases].

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is known as a highly conserved type II transmembraneous glycoprotein widely distributed in a variety of tissues and cells, and expressed in the peripheral blood as a soluble form. It has been reported that DPP4 play a distinct role in the physiological and pathological processes, such as immune regulation, inflammatory reaction, cell adhesion, and cell apoptosis. DPP4 inhibitor showes an incredible effect on the control of blood glucose and it is thought as a newly-developed drug for diabetes, especially in regulation of post-prandial glycemia. It has been reported that DPP4 plays a potential role in many respiratory diseases, especially in the pathogenesis of asthma.