CXCL12 and lupus nephritis: This combined treatment regimen aims to fully harness the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic benefits of DPP-4 inhibitors, while simultaneously inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway to effectively block aberrant immune cell recruitment to the kidney, thereby protecting podocytes and ultimately improving renal injury in patients with lupus nephritis.