Ginsenoside Rd attenuates mouse experimental autoimmune neuritis by modulating monocyte subsets conversion

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) involves peripheral nerve damage driven by immune responses.
• Ginsenoside Rd, a ginseng saponin, has known immune-regulatory properties but its effect on GBS is unstudied.
• There is a need to explore novel therapeutic strategies for GBS prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential preventive effects of Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd) on Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
• To elucidate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of GSRd in the context of GBS pathogenesis.
• To evaluate GSRd's impact on monocyte populations and macrophage phenotypes in GBS models.

Main Methods:

• Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) mouse model, a classic GBS model, was established and treated with GSRd or vehicle.
• Clinical scores and nerve tissue histomorphology were assessed.
• Monocyte populations and macrophage phenotypes were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining, complemented by in vitro studies.

Main Results:

• GSRd administration demonstrated a protective role, alleviating clinical symptoms and reducing nerve tissue damage in EAN mice.
• GSRd treatment increased non-classical Ly6Clow monocytes in peripheral blood and injured nerve tissues.
• GSRd modulated tissue macrophages towards a resolution-phase phenotype and elevated transcription factors like Nr4a1.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rd exhibits a protective effect against experimental autoimmune neuritis, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
• GSRd's mechanism involves the modulation of monocyte differentiation and macrophage polarization.
• These findings highlight GSRd as a potential candidate for the prevention or treatment of GBS.