[Research progress in pathogenesis and TCM intervention of influenza viral pneumonia based on signaling pathways]

Influenza viral pneumonia(IVP) is an infectious disease caused by influenza virus invading the lungs. With acute onset and rapid progression, it can lead to respiratory failure and even death in severe cases. Moreover, IVP is prone to cause large-scale incidence along with influenza epidemics, posing a serious threat to public health. The pathogenesis of IVP is complex, involving multiple pathological links such as viral replication, cytokine storm, immune imbalance, and oxidative stress. Studies have confirmed that the occurrence and development of IVP are closely related to signaling pathways including Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1). TCM characterized by multi-pathway, multi-component, and multi-target actions shows unique potential in regulating the above pathways and ameliorating pathological damage in the lungs. Accordingly, this article clarifies the IVP pathogenesis mediated by these pathways and systematically reviews the recent research on TCM active ingredients, single herbs, and compound preparations in preventing and treating IVP via regulating these pathways, with focuses on the roles of TCM in inhibiting viral replication, regulating inflammation, restoring immune homeostasis, and alleviating oxidative stress damage. It aims to comprehensively reveal the potential mechanisms of TCM in treating IVP, providing new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IVP.