rhCNB Improves Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunodeficiency in BALB/c Mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cyclophosphamide (CTX) induces immunosuppression, impacting immune cell populations and function.
• The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is crucial in immune regulation.
• Understanding immunomodulatory effects is vital for developing treatments for immune dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of recombinant human C-type natriuretic peptide (rhCNB) in a mouse model of CTX-induced immunosuppression.
• To explore the role of the TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway in rhCNB's immunomodulatory action.

Main Methods:

• BALB/c mice were induced with immunosuppression using cyclophosphamide (CTX).
• Mice were treated with rhCNB, and immune parameters were assessed, including lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8, CD19) and Th1/Th2 balance.
• mRNA expression of TLR4, P38, JNK, T-bet, and GATA3 was analyzed using RT-PCR.
• Spleen and thymus histopathology and immune organ indices were evaluated.

Main Results:

• CTX-induced immunosuppression led to decreased white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet (PLT) counts, lymphocyte (LYM) counts, neutrophil (NEU) counts, immune organ indices, and altered CD4+/CD8+ and CD19+ ratios.
• Th1/Th2 cell subsets and mRNA levels of TLR4, P38, JNK, T-bet, and GATA3 were reduced in the immunosuppressed model group.
• rhCNB treatment significantly increased these decreased parameters, indicating restored immune function.

Conclusions:

• rhCNB demonstrates significant immunomodulatory effects in CTX-induced immunosuppression.
• rhCNB regulates Th1/Th2 cytokine balance via the TLR4/MAPK pathway.
• rhCNB promotes lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation, thereby enhancing overall immune function.