Yu-Ping-Feng nasal drops relieve allergic rhinitis via TRPV1/Ca²⁺/NFAT pathway

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic nasal inflammation mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE).
• Yu-Ping-Feng nasal drops (YPFND), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for respiratory conditions like AR.
• The exact molecular mechanisms of YPFND in AR are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bioactivity and molecular mechanism of YPFND in allergic rhinitis.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of YPFND for AR management.

Main Methods:

• A 14-day randomized controlled trial in 60 AR patients and an ovalbumin-induced AR rat model were used.
• Nasal tissues and serum were analyzed using ELISA, Western blot, qPCR, histology, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.
• Proteomics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro cell assays identified YPFND's effects on the IL-17A/TRPV1/Ca2+/NFAT pathway.

Main Results:

• YPFND significantly reduced AR symptoms in patients and inflammation in rats.
• YPFND inhibited IL-17A-induced TRPV1 expression, Ca2+ influx, and NFAT activation in human nasal cells.
• YPFND ameliorated airway inflammation in rats by modulating the TRPV1/NFAT pathway and regulating Th17/Treg cell balance.

Conclusions:

• A novel IL-17A/TRPV1/Ca2+/NFAT signaling cascade is crucial in AR-related Th17/Treg imbalance.
• YPFND demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting TRPV1-dependent Ca2+ influx and downstream NFAT activation.