Cordyceps sinensis may inhibit Th22 cell chemotaxis to improve kidney function in lgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis and an important cause of kidney failure. Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a parasitic fungus that has a long history of use in Chinese medicine for the treatment of nephritis. Interleukin (IL)-22-producing helper T cells (Th22 cells) have been reported to be involved in lgA nephropathy. Th22 cells link the immune response to tissue inflammation. To elucidate the possible efficacy and mechanisms by which CS counteracts nephritis, we established an IgA nephropathy model in 6-week-old female BALB/c mice. The mice were randomly separated into 3 groups, the normal control, IgA nephropathy and CS (5 mg/kg/d) treatment groups. The Th22 cell frequencies and the relative pathological and cytokine changes were measured with flow cytometry, whereas the serum chemokine ligand 27 (CCL27) and IL-22 concentrations were detected with ELISA. The Th22 cell frequency decreased after 1 month of CS therapy. Additionally, mesangial cell proliferation decreased. Moreover, the chemokine receptor type 10 (CCR10), CCL27 and IL-22 expression levels were significantly reduced. In conclusion, CS may modulate the chemotaxis of Th22 cells to suppress inflammatory responses in IgA nephropathy.