Schisandrin B-mediated TH17 cell differentiation attenuates bowel inflammation

Integrating 16srRNA sequencing, non-targeted metabolomics, and transcriptome sequencing to explore the mechanism of Total glucosides of paeony alleviating ulcerative colitis

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), an active ingredient extracted from the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has been approved in China for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. However, the role and mechanism of TGP in UC have yet to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of TGP on intestinal homeostasis disruption and immune imbalance in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The results showed that TGP alleviated DSS induced body weight loss, colonic shortening and histopathological changes in mice, and also enhanced the integrity of the intestinal barrier by up-regulating the expression of ZO-1, Occludin and tight junction protein in the colon. The results of 16S and antibiotic cocktail (ABX) experiments showed that TGP alleviated colitis by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation by correcting intestinal microbial imbalance in UC mice. Mechanism studies showed that TGP inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in UC mice, and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors in colon supernatant and serum. Importantly, TGP regulates JAK2/STAT3 to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation depending on gut flora. In addition, TGP can also improve the metabolic imbalance in UC mice, especially purine metabolism. In conclusion, TGP promotes the normalization of purine metabolism and relies on gut microbiota to regulate JAK2/STAT3 pathway, inhibit Th17 cell differentiation, and alleviate colitis. Our findings highlight TGP as a promising treatment candidate for ulcerative colitis.

Schisandrin B regulates mitochondrial dynamics via AKT1 activation and mitochondrial targeting to ameliorate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a significant cause of acute kidney injury(AKI) and delayed graft function(DGF), impacting post-transplant outcomes. Mitochondrial dynamics, in particular fission and fusion, play a pivotal role in the cellular response to RIRI. The modulation of these dynamics represents a potential therapeutic target. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a component derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has shown protective roles in various organ injuries, but its effect on RIRI through mitochondrial dynamics remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the previously uninvestigated role of Sch B in modulating mitochondrial dynamics as a potential means of alleviating RIRI. By focusing on mitochondrial fission and fusion, this research provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of Sch B, distinguishing it from existing approaches.

METHODS

HK-2 cells were treated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) in order to simulate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) in vitro. In vivo, mice underwent renal ischemia followed by reperfusion, which allowed for the simulation of the injury. Sch B's impact on mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and oxidative stress was assessed through mitochondrial morphology assays, Western blotting for mitochondrial and apoptotic markers, TUNEL staining, and measurement of reactive oxygen species. Key molecular interactions were explored via Western blotting, molecular docking, SPR, and cellular thermal shift assays. In vivo, renal pathological damage was evaluated using HE, PAS, and TUNEL staining, while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expression levels of mitochondrial dynamics proteins and p-AKT1.

RESULTS

First, we unveiled that Schisandrin B (Sch B) significantly mitigated oxidative stress and apoptosis in HK-2 cells subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions. Sch B pretreatment notably enhanced cell viability and mitochondrial function, demonstrating its superior antioxidant capabilities compared to NAC. Second, we discovered that Sch B's protective effects involve regulating mitochondrial dynamics by decreasing fission markers, such as DRP1, while increasing fusion proteins, including OPA1 and MFN2. Furthermore, our studies revealed that Sch B directly binds to AKT1, promoting its phosphorylation and localization to mitochondria, thereby enhancing mitochondrial resilience. Finally, we demonstrated that in vivo administration of Sch B reduced renal damage and apoptosis in mouse models of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI), while immunohistochemical analyses unveiled its role in promoting mitochondrial fusion and reducing fission, marking a significant advancement in understanding Sch B's therapeutic potential in RIRI.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that Sch B directly interacts with AKT1 protein, enhancing its phosphorylation and promoting mitochondrial localization. This innovative mechanism reduces oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial fission, highlighting Sch B's unique capability to modulate mitochondrial dynamics in RIRI. These results establish Sch B as a promising therapeutic agent, offering a new dimension in the management of RIRI by targeting mitochondrial health.

Schisandrin B exerts anti-colorectal cancer effect through CXCL2/ERK/DUSP11 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Schisandrin B (Sch B) is an active component in Schisandra chinensis exerting anti-cancer effect, but the mechanism is obscure. This study was designed to explore the mechanism of Sch B against colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHOD

Apparent experiments including cell proliferation, transwell, colony formation, etc. were carried out to assess the anti-cancer effect of Sch B to CRC cell lines, and the RNA-seq was performed prior to bioinformatics analysis to explore the key transcriptome alterations, furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics was carried out to profile the metabolic alterations after the treatment with Sch B and an integrated analysis and experiment validation were completed based on RNA-seq and metabolomics to find the critical mechanism.

RESULT

The Sch B showed obviously inhibitory effect to cell proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC cell lines with a IC50 value at 75 µM. The RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis found the ERK/MAPK pathway has been significantly suppressed by the Sch B treatment, while the chemokine, CXCL2, could activate the ERK pathway when binding to its receptor CXCR2. The metabolomics revealed the metabolic profile of CRC cell was remarkably influenced by the Sch B, focusing on the arginine and proline metabolism, ubiquinone, etc. Importantly, the integrated analysis found the DUSP11 connected the ERK pathway and the metabolisms, may mediate the anti-cancer effect of Sch B.

CONCLUSION

Sch B showed obviously anti-cancer effect to the CRC through inhibiting CXCL2/ERK/DUSP11 axis, but more experiments are needed to figure out the target of Sch B and validate this mechanism in vivo.

In vivo and in vitro investigations of schisandrin B against angiotensin II induced ferroptosis and atrial fibrosis by regulation of the SIRT1 pathway

Schisandrin B (Sch B) derived from Schisandra chinensis, is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The study aimed to explore Sch B's protective roles and underlying mechanisms in angiotensin II (Ang II) - induced ferroptosis, atrial fibrosis, and AF using both in vivo and in vitro models. AF mice model generated induced by Ang II and established an in vitro model using the HL-1 cell line induced by Ang II. We assessed atrial fibrosis through histological analysis and oxidative stress analysis. We employed RT-qPCR and Western blot techniques to evaluate mRNA and protein expression. Sch B significantly attenuated Ang II-induced AF development, atrial apoptosis, and myocardial injury-related molecules, including CK-MB and LDH. Relative DHE intensity, MDA, NOX2, and NOX4 increased significantly, and SOD and CAT levels decreased markedly in Ang II-induced mice. Sch B treatment could inhibit atrial ROS production and oxidative stress in Ang II-infused mice. In addition, Sch B showed cardioprotective effects in Ang II-infused HL-1 cells. Sch B significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, restored by EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). Sch B inhibited intracellular ROS generation and oxidative stress in HL-1 cells, which were restored by Ex-527. Furthermore, Sch B decreased the increase in Fe2 + concentration caused by Ang II infusion, which was recovered by Ex-527. Sch B markedly increased the expression of SIRT1, SLC7A11, GPX4 and FTH1 while reducing the expression patterns by Ex-527 treatment. Our experimental data suggest that Sch B protects against Ang II-induced ferroptosis, atrial fibrosis, and AF by activating SIRT1 in vivo and in vitro.

A comprehensive review of Schisandrin B's preclinical antitumor activity and mechanistic insights from network pharmacology

As an active constituent in the extract of dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis, Schisandrin B exhibits diverse pharmacological effects, including liver protection, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Schisandrin B exhibits significant antitumor activity against various malignant tumors in preclinical studies, which is achieved by inhibiting cell proliferation and metastasis and promoting apoptosis. As a potential antitumor agent, Schisandrin B holds broad application prospects. This review systematically elaborates on the antitumor effect of Schisandrin B and the related molecular mechanism, and preliminarily predicts its antitumor targets by network pharmacology, thereby pave the way for further research, development, and clinical application.

WKB ameliorates DSS-induced colitis through inhibiting enteric glial cells activation and altering the intestinal microbiota

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition influenced by diet, which affects gut microbiota and immune functions. The rising prevalence of IBD, linked to Western diets in developing countries, highlights the need for dietary interventions. This study aimed to assess the impact of white kidney beans (WKB) on gut inflammation and microbiota changes, focusing on their effects on enteric glial cells (EGCs) and immune activity in colitis.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: normal diet (ND), ND with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for colitis induction, ND with 20% WKB, and WKB with 2.5% DSS. The dietary intervention lasted 17 weeks, with DSS given in the final week. Colonic inflammation was assessed by body weight, disease activity index, and histopathology. Epithelial barrier integrity was evaluated using immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and permeability assays. EGCs activity was analyzed via immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR. Immune responses were measured using flow cytometry and cytokine profiling, while gut microbiota changes were examined through metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS

WKB supplementation significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, evidenced by reduced weight loss, disease activity, and improved colonic histology. This effect was linked to enhanced mucosal barrier integrity, seen through increased tight junction protein and Muc2 expression, accompanied by favorable ultrastructural changes. WKB modulated EGCs activity via TNF-like cytokine 1 A inhibition, resulting in reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. Immunologically, it downregulated Th1 and Th17 pro-inflammatory cells, increased Treg cells, and altered cytokine profiles (reduced TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17; increased IL-10). Metagenomic analysis showed that WKB restored gut microbiota balance, particularly enhancing beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia. KEGG pathway analysis further indicated that WKB supplementation improved key metabolic pathways, notably those related to phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, thereby countering DSS-induced metabolic disruptions.

CONCLUSIONS

WKB shows promise for treating IBD by enhancing mucosal barriers, inhibiting EGCs activity, balancing Th1/Th17/Treg cells, and restoring gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis, thereby alleviating colitis symptoms.

Schisandrin B inhibits inflammation and ferroptosis in S.aureus-induced mastitis through regulating SIRT1/p53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway

Mastitis, one of the most significant problems in women, is commonly caused by pathogens, especially Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Schisandrin B (SCB), the main abundant derivatives from Schisandra chinensis, has been proven to have the ability to inhibiting inflammation and bacteria. However, few relevant researches systematically illustrate the role SCB in the treatment of mastitis. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the mechanism that SCB functions in reducing pathological injury to the mammary gland in treating S.aureus-induced mastitis. H&E staining was used to identify pathological changes and injuries in mastitis. The levels of cytokines associated with inflammation were detected by ELISA. Key signals relevant to ferroptosis and Nrf2 signaling pathway were tested by western blot analysis and iron assay kit. Compared with the control group, inflammation-associated factors, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO activity, increased significantly in S. aureus-treated mice. However, these changes were inhibited by SCB. Ferroptosis-associated factors Fe2+ and MDA increased significantly, and GSH, GPX4 and ferritin expression decreased markedly in S. aureus-treated mice. SCB treatment could attenuate S.aureus-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, SCB increase SIRT1 and SLC7A11 expression and down-regulated p53 expression and NF-κB activation. In conclusion, SCB alleviates S.aureus-induced mastitis via up-regulating SIRT1/p53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway, attenuating the activation of inflammation-associated cytokines and ferroptosis in the mammary gland tissues.

Interaction between Changan Granule and its main components in the plasma and CYP450 enzymes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Changan Granule (CAG) is a Chinese patent drug developed based on an empirical prescription in accordance with the formulation theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The prescription is composed of eight herbal drugs which have been traditionally used by Chinese people for a long history. It has effects of invigorating spleen and supplementing qi, as well as regulating liver and ceasing diarrhea, and is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to investigate the interaction between CAG and its main components and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes so as to characterize the major metabolites and metabolic enzymes and evaluate the safety concerns to its clinical use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both in vivo and in vitro experiments using such as diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) rat model, HepG2 cells, and human liver microsomes (HLM) were carried out to investigate the interaction between CAG and its main components and CYP450 enzymes. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and cocktail probes were employed to qualitatively or quantitatively measure the metabolites and metabolic enzymes.

RESULTS

CAG inhibited the enzyme activities of CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 and the mRNA expressions of CYP2E1, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 in vitro. CAG down-regulated the increased expression of CYP1A2 and up-regulated the decreased expression of CYP3A1 in vivo. Twenty-two metabolites were characterized from the main components of CAG after incubation with HLM in vitro. CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 were identified as the characteristic metabolic enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a reference for clinical application of CAG in safety. CAG and CYP450 enzymes are interacted. CAG is mainly metabolized by CYP2E1 and CYP2D6. The expression of CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 are more susceptible to be influenced by CAG in comparison with that of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP1A2. It implies the potential risk of interaction when CAG is taken together with the drugs metabolized by CYP2E1 and CYP2D6.

Phytochemicals targeting lncRNAs: A novel direction for neuroprotection in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders with various etiologies impacting the nervous system are prevalent in clinical practice. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules are functional RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode proteins, but participate in essential activities. Research indicates that lncRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and may be potential targets for their treatment. Phytochemicals in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been found to exert neuroprotective effects by targeting lncRNAs and regulating gene expression and various signaling pathways. We aim to establish the development status and neuroprotective mechanism of phytochemicals that target lncRNAs through a thorough literature review. A total of 369 articles were retrieved through manual and electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI databases from inception to September 2022. The search utilized combinations of natural products, lncRNAs, neurological disorders, and neuroprotective effects as keywords. The included studies, a total of 31 preclinical trials, were critically reviewed to present the current situation and the progress in phytochemical-targeted lncRNAs in neuroprotection. Phytochemicals have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies of various neurological disorders by regulating lncRNAs. These disorders include arteriosclerotic ischemia-reperfusion injury, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioma, peripheral nerve injury, post-stroke depression, and depression. Several phytochemicals exert neuroprotective roles through mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, autophagy regulation, and antagonism of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Some phytochemicals targeted lncRNAs and served a neuroprotective role by regulating microRNA and mRNA expression. The emergence of lncRNAs as pathological regulators provides a novel direction for the study of phytochemicals in CHM. Elucidating the mechanism of phytochemicals regulating lncRNAs will help to identify new therapeutic targets and promote their application in precision medicine.

Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Agents in Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is an immunogenic highly heterogenic tumor characterized by poor outcomes when it is diagnosed late. Therefore, immunotherapy in combination with other anti-proliferative approaches is among the most effective weapons to control its growth and metastatic dissemination. Recently, a large amount of published reports indicate the interest of researchers and clinicians about plant secondary metabolites as potentially useful therapeutic tools due to their lower presence of side effects coupled with their high potency and efficacy. Published evidence was reported in most cases through in vitro studies but also, with a growing body of evidence, through in vivo investigations. Our aim was, therefore, to review the published studies focused on the most interesting phytochemicals whose immunomodulatory activities and/or mechanisms of actions were demonstrated and applied to melanoma models.

Schisandrin B protects against LPS-induced inflammatory lung injury by targeting MyD88

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a challenging clinical syndrome that manifests as an acute inflammatory response. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a bioactive lignan from Schisandra genus plants, has been shown to suppress inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study performed an in-depth investigation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Sch B in macrophages and in an animal model of ALI.

METHODS

qPCR array was used to probe the differential effects and potential target of Sch B. ALI was induced by intratracheal administration of LPS in experimental mice with or without Sch B treatment.

RESULTS

Our studies show that Sch B differentially modulates inflammatory factor induction by LPS in macrophages by directly binding myeloid differentiation response factor-88 (MyD88), an essential adaptor protein in the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) pathway. Sch B spares non-MyD88-pathways downstream of TLR4. Such inhibition suppressed key signaling mediators such as TAK1, MAPKs, and NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory factor induction. Pull down assay using biotinylated-Sch B validate the direct interaction between Sch B and MyD88 in macrophages. Treatment of mice with Sch B prior to LPS challenge reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in lungs, induction of MyD88-pathway signaling proteins, and prevented inflammatory cytokine induction.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our studies have identified MyD88 as a direct target of Sch B for its anti-inflammatory activity, and suggest that Sch B may have therapeutic value for acute lung injury and other MyD88-dependent inflammatory diseases.

Lignans as Pharmacological Agents in Disorders Related to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Chemical Synthesis Approaches and Biological Activities

Plant lignans exhibit a wide range of biological activities, which makes them the research objects of potential use as therapeutic agents. They provide diverse naturally-occurring pharmacophores and are available for production by chemical synthesis. A large amount of accumulated data indicates that lignans of different structural groups are apt to demonstrate both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, in many cases, simultaneously. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive knowledge about lignan use as a bioactive agent in disorders associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo, molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, and chemical synthesis approaches. This article provides an up-to-date overview of the current data in this area, available in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, screened from 2000 to 2022.

Sinapic acid inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion via downregulation of the AKT/Gsk-3β signal pathway

Among digestive system cancers, the extremely poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is a pressing concern. Nonoperative treatments such as targeted and immunotherapy, have improved the current situation, however, the accompanying side effects of these chemicals should not be ignored. Here, we discovered a novel hydroxycinnamic acid named sinapic acid (SA) derived from fruits, vegetables, cereals, and oil crops as an effective anti-PC molecule. Both the in vitro and in vivo models we designed showed that SA exhibited anticancer activities but not apoptosis induction. Research on the underlying mechanisms illustrated that AKT phosphorylation was blocked by SA, and the downstream Gsk-3β was downregulated subsequently. Our study revealed the inhibitory activity and underlying mechanisms of SA, providing evidence that SA is a potential strategy for cancer research and can be a promising option of PC chemotherapy.

Schisandrin B suppresses gastric cancer cell growth and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy drug 5-FU in vitro and in vivo

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious affliction worldwide and remains to be the fourth most common cancer with poor prognosis, especially in advanced stage. Chemotherapy is one of the main therapeutic means. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B) on GC cells both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the synergistic effect with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and to preliminarily explore the relevant mechanism of action. Our results showed that Sch B inhibited the growth, migration and invasion of GC cells. Besides, Sch B could effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), induce autophagy, and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drug 5-FU in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the findings indicate that Sch B displays potent antitumor activities. The co-administration of Sch B and 5-FU might be a promising way for future therapy of GC.

Schisandrin B regulates macrophage polarization and alleviates liver fibrosis via activation of PPARγ

Background

Schisandrin B (Sch B), the main ingredient of Schisandra chinensis, displays many bioactivities. This study aimed to identify the drug target of Sch B against liver fibrosis and describe the related molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The effects of Sch B on liver fibrosis and macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we analyzed the regulatory effect of Sch B on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ).

Results

Our data showed that Sch B dramatically alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis and inhibited macrophage activation via PPARγ. Sch B binds with PPARγ by molecular docking. Immunofluorescence double staining showed that PPARγ was mainly expressed in macrophages rather than hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrosis. Importantly, Sch B strongly inhibited macrophage polarization in fibrotic livers compared with the model group. Further, the results revealed that Sch B efficiently inhibited macrophage polarization and also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Knockdown of PPARγ by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the effect of Sch B on macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, Sch B regulated macrophage polarization through inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway via PPARγ both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

These results suggested that Sch B alleviated carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage polarization via targeting PPARγ.

Schisandrin B Attenuates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Promotes Apoptosis to Protect against Liver Fibrosis

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a key role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis, it is essential to remove activated HSC through apoptosis to reverse hepatic fibrosis. Schisandrin B (Sch B) is the main chemical component of schisandrin lignan, and it has been reported to have good hepatoprotective effects. However, Schisandrin B on HSC apoptosis remains unclear. In our study, we stimulated the HSC-T6 and LX-2 cell lines with TGF-β1 to induce cell activation, and the proliferation and apoptosis of the activated HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells were detected after treatment with different doses of Schisandrin B. Flow cytometry results showed that Sch B significantly reduced the activity of activated HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells and significantly induced apoptosis. In addition, the cleaved-Caspase-3 levels were increased, the Bax activity was increased, and the Bcl-2 expression was decreased in HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells treated with Sch B. Our study showed that Sch B inhibited the TGF-β1-induced activity of hepatic stellate cells by promoting apoptosis.

Schisandrin B promotes TH1 cell differentiation by targeting STAT1

Schisandrin B (Sch B) is the major active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis and has antitumor activity, anti-inflammatory activity. CD4⁺ Th subsets orchestrate immune responses to plenty of pathogen infections and participate in the pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between Sch B and T cell differentiation. Here, we showed that Sch B might participate in T cell receptor signaling pathway by using the TCMIO database. Importantly, Sch B promoted T_H1 cell differentiation. Furthermore, Sch B did not affect T_H2 cell and Treg differentiation. Mechanismly, Sch B increased the level of IFN-γ of CD4⁺ T cells by upregulating the phosphorylation of STAT1 protein. Then, STAT1 promoted T-bet expression in CD4⁺ T cells. In conclusion, Sch B modulates the differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into T_H1 subset by STAT1/T-bet signaling, which may have the potential for the treatment of T cell-mediated-immune diseases.

Neobavaisoflavone-mediated TH9 cell differentiation ameliorates bowel inflammation

Neobavaisoflavone (Neo), is the active constituent of the herb Psoralea corylifolial, used in the traditional Chinese medicine, and has anti-inflammatory activity, but whether Neo could regulate colitis remains unclear. T helper 9 (T_H9) cells, a subset of CD4⁺ T helper cells characterized by secretion of IL-9, have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but whether Neo could control T_H9 cell differentiation also remains unclear. Here, we found that Neo could decrease IL-9 production of CD4⁺ T cells by targeting PU.1 in vitro. Importantly, Neo had therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, we identified T_H9 cells as the direct target of Neo for attenuating bowel inflammation. Therefore, Neo could serve as a lead for developing new therapeutics against inflammatory bowel disease.