Tui Na Acupressure Modulates Treg Immunosuppression via FoxP3/mTORC1 Signalling in ALS Mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by neuroinflammation and regulatory T cell (Treg) dysfunction.
• Immune imbalance exacerbates ALS pathology, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if Tui Na acupressure can restore Treg immunosuppressive function in ALS.
• To elucidate the role of the FoxP3/mTORC1 signaling pathway in Tui Na's therapeutic effects on ALS.

Main Methods:

• SOD1G93A ALS mice models were treated with Tui Na at the Shenshu acupoint.
• Motor and cognitive functions were assessed using behavioral tests.
• Multi-omics, flow cytometry, ELISA, and Western blot analyzed Treg proportions, cytokine profiles, and pathway activation.
• In vitro assays confirmed Treg proliferation and immunosuppression.

Main Results:

• Tui Na significantly improved motor and cognitive functions in ALS mice.
• Tui Na increased Treg cell proportions and elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) while reducing pro-inflammatory markers.
• Upregulation of FoxP3, Mtor, and Raptor confirmed via transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, demonstrating FoxP3/mTORC1 pathway activation.
• Tui Na reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress, indicating immune regulation.

Conclusions:

• Tui Na acupressure shows potential as a non-pharmacological therapy for ALS by restoring Treg-mediated immune balance.
• The FoxP3/mTORC1 pathway is crucial for Tui Na's therapeutic effects in ALS.
• Further clinical evaluation of Tui Na for ALS and other immune-driven disorders is warranted.