This review examines how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect immune cells and evaluates their potential for treating autoimmune conditions including psoriasis, IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, MS, Sjögren's, and lupus.
7 autoimmune diseasesThe review evaluates GLP-1RA therapeutic potential across psoriasis, IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus
What the researchers found
GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibit immunoregulatory effects beyond their well-established metabolic benefits. The review synthesizes evidence showing that GLP-1R signaling affects multiple immune cell types, modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.
The therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs is evaluated across seven autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions: psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Evidence comes from in vitro studies, preclinical animal models, and clinical observations in patients taking GLP-1RAs for metabolic indications who showed improvements in co-existing autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
With tens of millions of people now taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity, understanding their immune effects has become urgent. If these drugs genuinely modulate autoimmune disease activity, they could represent a massive expansion of their therapeutic value — potentially treating conditions that affect hundreds of millions of people globally. This review provides the scientific foundation for that emerging field.
How the study worked
This is a narrative review synthesizing evidence from in vitro studies examining GLP-1R signaling in immune cells, preclinical animal models of autoimmune diseases treated with GLP-1RAs, and clinical observations and case reports of patients with autoimmune conditions who received GLP-1RAs for diabetes or obesity.
What this study cannot tell us
Most evidence for autoimmune applications comes from preclinical models and clinical observations rather than dedicated randomized controlled trials. The immunomodulatory effects may be partially indirect — mediated through weight loss and metabolic improvements rather than direct immune cell effects. Different GLP-1RAs may have different immunological profiles. The review does not assess potential risks of immunosuppression from GLP-1R signaling modulation.
How to read the evidence
This is a narrative review aggregating evidence from multiple study types (in vitro, preclinical, clinical observations). While it provides a comprehensive overview, the evidence for most autoimmune applications remains preclinical or observational rather than from dedicated clinical trials.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, this review captures the current state of a rapidly growing field driven by the widespread clinical use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and emerging recognition of their immunological effects.
The bigger picture
The discovery that GLP-1 receptor agonists have immunomodulatory properties is part of a broader paradigm shift recognizing that metabolic and immune systems are deeply interconnected. GLP-1 receptors are expressed not just in the pancreas and brain but also on immune cells, linking metabolism to inflammation. This review maps the emerging field of 'immunometabolism' as it applies to GLP-1 drugs, with potential to reshape treatment approaches for autoimmune diseases.
Questions still open
- Will dedicated randomized controlled trials confirm the autoimmune benefits of GLP-1RAs that have been observed in clinical practice?
- Are the immunomodulatory effects direct (via GLP-1R on immune cells) or indirect (via metabolic improvements and weight loss)?
- Could GLP-1RAs be combined with existing immunotherapies for synergistic treatment of autoimmune conditions?
Common questions
Could drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy help with autoimmune diseases?
How do GLP-1 drugs affect the immune system?
Read the original research
Roles of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in immune cell biology and autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases.
Cell & bioscience, 15(1), 137
Citation
Deng, Sihui; Chen, Zeyu; Shi, Yuling. (2025). Roles of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in immune cell biology and autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases.. Cell & bioscience, 15(1), 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-025-01486-8