Investigating the Effects of on H3N2-Induced Inflammatory and Immune Responses Through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation in a Mice Model

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2024 Apr 26

PMID 38665556

Authors

Yaorong Chen

Zexing Chen

Wanqi Wang

Yutao Wang

Jinyi Zhu

Xinhua Wang

Wanyi Huang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

For centuries, (LP), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely employed for treating respiratory infectious diseases; however, the mechanism underlying LP's effectiveness against the influenza A/Aichi/2/1968 virus (H3N2) remains elusive. This study aims to shed light on the mechanism by which LP combats influenza in H3N2-infected mice. First, we conducted quasi-targeted metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify LP components. Subsequently, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and simulation were conducted to screen candidate targets associated with AKT and NF-κB. In addition, we conducted a series of experiments including qPCR, hematoxylin-eosin staining, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to provide evidence that LP treatment in H3N2-infected mice can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1) while increasing T cells (CD3, CD4, and CD8) and syndecan-1 and secretory IgA expression. This, in turn, aids in the prevention of excessive inflammation and the fortification of immunity, both of which are compromised by H3N2. Finally, we utilized a Western blot assay to confirm that LP indeed inhibits the AKT/NF-κB signaling cascade. Thus, the efficacy of LP serves as a cornerstone in establishing a theoretical foundation for influenza treatment.

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