[Huangqin decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating ILC3s-TH cell response]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with complex immune dysregulation.
• Innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and helper T cells (Th) play critical roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and UC pathogenesis.
• Current treatments for UC have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of Huangqin decoction (HQD) on experimental ulcerative colitis in mice.
• To elucidate the impact of HQD on group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and various subsets of helper T cells (Th) in the context of UC.

Main Methods:

• A mouse model of UC was established using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
• Mice were treated with varying doses of HQD or mesalazine (ME).
• Flow cytometry and Milliplex assays were employed to analyze immune cell populations (ILC3s, Th1, Treg) and cytokine levels in colon tissues.

Main Results:

• HQD treatment significantly ameliorated UC symptoms, reducing disease activity index (DAI) and macroscopic scores.
• HQD administration increased the percentage of ILC3s and MHC II expression in the colon.
• HQD suppressed Th1 and Th17 cells while promoting Treg cell populations and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-17A, IL-23, TNF-α, IFN-γ).

Conclusions:

• Huangqin decoction (HQD) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis.
• HQD exerts its protective effects by enhancing ILC3s and Treg cells, and suppressing Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated inflammation.
• These findings suggest HQD as a promising agent for managing UC through immunomodulation.