Research Progress on the Molecular Mechanisms of Cordycepin in Modulating Inflammation

Cordycepin is a bioactive compound isolated from the Cordyceps fungi. It is structurally analogous to adenosine and possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mainly mediated by regulating key signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome pathways. Cordycepin inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. It promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β. Cordycepin modulates immune cell functions via mechanisms including the induction of M2 polarization of macrophages, suppression of microglial activation, regulation of T lymphocyte differentiation, and inhibition of neutrophil infiltration. This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin on oxidative stress. These findings indicate that cordycepin exerts favorable anti-inflammatory effects during inflammatory responses.