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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:40
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Fangchinoline drives NOS2-dependent host immunity to restrict intracellular enteric pathogens
Srikanth Sadhu1,2, Rajdeep Dalal1, Sonu Kumar Gupta3
1Centre for Immuno-biology and Immunotherapy, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India.
Iscience
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Fangchinoline (Fcn) restricts intracellular Salmonella by boosting nitric oxide (NO) production, enhancing immune responses against bacterial infections. This natural compound also improves antibiotic effectiveness and primes the immune system for future protection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intracellular bacterial infections pose challenges due to antibiotic resistance and immune evasion.
- Developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting host immunity is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel host-directed immunomodulators for treating intracellular bacterial infections.
- To investigate the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of Fangchinoline (Fcn) against Salmonella.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo models of Salmonella infection.
- Assessment of macrophage bactericidal activity and Th1 immune responses.
- Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibition and NOS2 knockout mouse studies.
- Serum metabolomics analysis and synergy studies with Ciprofloxacin.
Main Results:
- Fangchinoline (Fcn) demonstrated significant control of intracellular Salmonella infection.
- Fcn enhances macrophage bactericidal activity and promotes Th1 immunity via NOS2-dependent nitric oxide (NO) signaling.
- Fcn synergizes with Ciprofloxacin, reduces bacterial load, and primes memory-like T cell responses.
Conclusions:
- Fangchinoline acts as a host-directed immunotherapeutic agent against intracellular enteric pathogens.
- Fcn enhances NO biosynthesis, boosting innate and adaptive immunity.
- This natural alkaloid offers a promising strategy to augment antibiotic efficacy and combat multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.
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