Cytokine storm modulation in COVID-19: a proposed role for vitamin D and DPP-4 inhibitor combination therapy (VIDPP-4i)

A dysregulated immune response characterized by the hyperproduction of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (a.k.a. ‘cytokine storm’) plays a central role in pathophysiology severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this Perspective article we discuss evidence for synergistic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties exerted vitamin D dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, latter being class antihyperglycemic agents used treatment Type diabetes, which have also been reported as immunomodulators. Then, provide rationale investigation DPP-4 inhibitor combination therapy (VIDPP-4i) an immunomodulation strategy to ratchet down virulence SARS-CoV-2, prevent progression modulate cytokine storm COVID-19.