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Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Renshen Baidu Powder mitigates ALI by inhibiting the RORγt/IL-17 pathway and restoring the Treg/Th17 balance
Fei Li1, Shixu Liu1, Ziqian Ye1
1School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Renshen Baidu Powder (RSBD) effectively treats acute lung injury (ALI) by inhibiting the RORγt/IL-17 pathway, restoring immune balance, and reducing lung inflammation. This study provides mechanistic support for RSBD as a novel immunomodulatory therapy for ALI.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Acute lung injury (ALI) presents a significant mortality risk due to immune dysregulation and limited targeted treatments.
- Renshen Baidu Powder (RSBD), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, has historical use in respiratory ailments, but its mechanisms in ALI are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of RSBD in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI.
- To elucidate the underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms of RSBD action in ALI.
Main Methods:
- Established LPS-induced ALI model in mice, treated with RSBD or dexamethasone.
- Assessed lung injury via wet-to-dry ratio, histopathology, and cytokine levels.
- Quantified T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells using flow cytometry.
- Investigated the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt)/interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway activity via molecular assays.
- Validated mechanisms using RORγt inverse agonist, IL-17 neutralizing antibody, and RORγt agonist.
- Integrated LC-MS, network pharmacology, and mRNA sequencing for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- RSBD significantly reduced lung injury, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration in LPS-induced ALI mice.
- RSBD restored immune homeostasis by increasing the Treg/Th17 cell ratio and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- RSBD inhibited the RORγt/IL-17 pathway and promoted IL-10 production, with mechanistic validation confirming the pathway's critical role.
- LC-MS identified flavonoids and phenolics as potential active compounds in RSBD.
Conclusions:
- RSBD demonstrates significant therapeutic effects against LPS-induced ALI by modulating the RORγt/IL-17 pathway and Treg/Th17 balance.
- RSBD acts as a multi-component immunomodulatory agent, reducing pulmonary inflammation and damage.
- These findings provide a mechanistic basis for utilizing RSBD in treating ALI.
