A succinct review of the general and immunological pharmacologic effects of proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are a group of anti-ulcer agents. PPI have selective anti-cancer effects via apoptosis of tumour, sensitization of cancer cell to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also PPI have anti-malarial and anti-leishmanial activity. Rising of endosomal pH inhibits the presentation of antigens that enter cell through endocytosis. PPI can affect transmigration of leucocytes from vessels to inflammatory sites and also can mitigate neutrophile adherence to endothelial cell. PPI increase the intralysosomal pH and decrease the expression of intracellular adhesion molecules. Therefore PPI can exert immunomodulation in immunological diseases through hampering antigen processing, antigen presentation, and leucocytes transmigration.