Jiedu-Quyu-Ziyin Fang (JQZF) inhibits the proliferation and activation of B cells in MRL/lpr mice via modulating the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc signaling pathway

Study on the mechanism of Jieduquyuziyin prescription improving the condition of MRL/lpr mice by regulating T cell metabolic reprogramming through the AMPK/mTOR pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with T cell metabolic reprogramming. The traditional Chinese medicine Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in SLE, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of JP on SLE, focusing on T cell metabolic reprogramming.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess JP's therapeutic effects on SLE and its role in regulating T cell metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRL/lpr mice were treated with JP and assessed for spleen index, serum biochemistry, autoantibodies, urine protein levels, and histopathology. Th17 and Treg proportions were analyzed via flow cytometry. CD4+T cells were evaluated for the Th17/Treg transcription factors and glucose metabolism indicators through ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR, and assay kits. The AMPK/mTOR pathway was investigated using Compound C in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

JP alleviated SLE symptoms, promoted Treg differentiation, and inhibited Th17 differentiation, restoring immune balance. JP reduced glycolysis-related metabolites and enzymes in CD4+T cells, including glucose, pyruvate, lactate, Glucose transporters1 (Glut1), Hexokinase2 (HK2), Pyruvate kinase isozyme typeM2 (PKM2), lactic dehydrogenase A (LDHA). JP decreased RORC expression, a key transcription factor for Th17 cells, and increased Foxp3 expression, a key regulator of Treg cells. JP activated AMPK and inhibited mTOR signaling in both mouse and Jurkat cell models.

CONCLUSIONS

JP alleviates SLE symptoms by modulating T cell metabolic reprogramming, primarily through inhibiting glycolysis and restoring the Th17/Treg balance via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings underscore the significance of targeting metabolic pathways in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The Jieduquyuziyin prescription alleviates systemic lupus erythematosus by modulating B cell metabolic reprogramming via the AMPK/PKM2 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) is an enhanced formula derived from the "Sheng Ma Bie Jia Tang" in the Golden Chamber. JP is an empirical formula approved for use in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in hospitals across China, demonstrating notable therapeutic effects. It has been shown to suppress B cell activation and alleviate symptoms; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of JP on B cell metabolic reprogramming in the treatment of SLE and to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Core targets and pathways regulating B cell activation were identified through sequencing of activated and resting B cells from SLE patients and network pharmacology of JP. Targeted metabolomics was employed to assess JP's effect on B cell metabolism. In vivo experiments evaluated the effects of JP, JP combined with a PKM2 inhibitor, or an AMPK inhibitor on SLE activity, B cell activation and glycolysis.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analyses identified PKM as a core target in B cell activation, which was significantly upregulated and linked to the inhibition of AMPK signaling. JP reduced B cell glycolysis and activation, leading to significant improvements in disease pathology. The combination of JP with an AMPK inhibitor diminished the therapeutic effect. Further studies suggested that JP inhibits glycolysis-dependent B cell activation via the AMPK/PKM2 pathway, reducing germinal center responses and effector B cells.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that the AMPK/PKM2 pathway is a promising therapeutic target for regulating immune metabolic imbalance in SLE B cells. Additionally, it provides evidence that JP may improve SLE by activating the AMPK/PKM2 pathway to inhibit glycolysis-dependent B cell activation, laying the foundation for further investigation of its therapeutic mechanisms.

Jieduquyuziyin prescription alleviates lupus development via inhibiting neddylation pathway to promote Bim-induced apoptosis of double negative T cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) is an empirical prescription approved for application to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in hospital within China. Despite the prominent treatment effect of JP clinically, further investigation is imperative to explore its underlying mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to investigate the impact of JP on DN T cell apoptosis in the treatment of SLE and the specific regulation mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, female MRL/lpr mice were treated with JP and the therapeutic efficacy of JP was evaluated via skin lesions, lymphoid organ enlargement, accumulation of autoantibodies and renal function. Then, flow cytometer analysis was performed to evaluate the proportions and the apoptosis of T cell subpopulations. Based on the above results, double-negative (DN) T cells were subjected to proteomic with subsequent differential screening. The expression of Ube2m and Bim was further validated using real-time PCR and Western blot. Subsequently, DN T cells were incubated with JP-contained serum in vitro, and cell apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of Ube2m, Bim and other associated proteins were also assessed through western blotting. To further clarify whether Ube2m serves as the key target of JP in regulating DN T cell apoptosis, the mice that Ube2m was specific deleted in T cells with spontaneous lupus (Ube2m-/-lpr) were utilized. JP was administered to WTlpr or Ube2m-/-lpr mice, followed by assessment of the lupus condition and DN T cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

JP administration effectively ameliorated the lupus phenotype. Then flow cytometry assay showed that JP treatment enhanced DN T cell apoptosis to reduce their accumulation and restored the immune homeostasis. Proteomic analysis revealed a significant inhibition of Ube2m for JP treatment, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis of DN T cells. Further experiments confirmed that JP treatment effectively downregulated the expression of Ube2m and subsequently upregulated the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bim with decreased Bim degradation. In vitro experiments also confirmed that JP-contained serum significantly facilitated DN T cell apoptosis and reduced DN T cell accumulation by inhibiting Ube2m expression. Furthermore, Ube2m-/-lpr mice were utilized and the impact of JP treatment on the apoptosis of DN T cells was found to be minimal in the absence of Ube2m. Mechanistic investigation reveals that JP exerts its effects by suppressing the expression of Ube2m, subsequently inhibiting CRL-dependent degradation of Bim, and ultimately promoting Bim-induced apoptosis in DN T cells. Furthermore, the blockade of Ube2m in T cells effectively prevents JP-induced apoptosis in DN T cells, underscoring Ube2m as one crucial therapeutic target of JP in mediating DN T cell apoptosis and managing SLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that JP treatment effectively restores the homeostasis of DN T cells in SLE by inhibiting Ube2m expression, thereby reducing Bim ubiquitination degradation. This ultimately enhanced DN T cell apoptosis and alleviated lupus phenotype.

The mechanism of Langchuangding in treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus via modulating TLR7-IRF7-IFNα pathway

Object

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant activity of the immune system. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) which the main producer of activated type I interferon, are related to SLE disease activity. To investigate the mechanism of Langchuangding (LCD) improving SLE based on TLR7-IRF7-IFNα pathway.

Methods

SLE patients were randomly divided into Chinese medicine combined with western medicine (CWM) group and western medicine (WM) group, to observe the effect of LCD. The percent of pDCs in peripheral blood of SLE patients were detected by flow cytometry, and the influence of LCD on gene expression in SLE patients were detected by gene microarray. Mouse bone marrow cells were differentiated into dendritic like cells (DLC), then divided into Blank, immune complex (IC), LCD and dexamethasone (DXM) group. Employed RT-qPCR to detect MyD88, and IRF7 mRNA, and western blotting to determinate TLR7, MyD88, and p-IRF7 proteins. The IFNα in SLE patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Employ dual luciferase to observe the interferon stimulated response element (ISRE) gene.

Results

pDCs in WM group was higher than that of CWM group. The plasma IFNα in CWM group was significantly lower than that in WM group. The gene microarray showed that the gene expression of IFNα related signaling pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and genes related to activation and proliferation of immune cells were down-regulated after LCD treatment. The DLCs MyD88, and IRF7 mRNA were down-regulated, TLR7, MyD88, and p-IRF7 proteins were significantly reduced, and the supernatant IFNα was significantly decreased in LCD group. LCD were mildly inhibited activation of ISRE in 293T cells.

Conclusions

In certain degree, LCD is beneficial to SLE patients. LCD therapy SLE may be through TLR7 signaling pathway, and IRF7 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of SLE.