Immunomodulatory effects of traditional chinese medicine on cancer: insights from network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing data on the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma with shenling baizhu powder

Abstract

Shenling Baizhu Powder (SLBZP), commonly used as a complementary and alternative therapy for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is believed to enhance patients’ immune function. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. By integrating network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, the study investigates the immune therapeutic effects of SLBZP in LUAD. Immune infiltration landscape analysis revealed significant differences in immune cell infiltration levels between normal and LUAD groups. ScRNA-seq analysis showed that LUAD progression was associated with an increased abundance of macrophage infiltration, and the characteristics of 13 macrophage clusters were closely related to target genes. Using machine learning, we identified 4 macrophage-related gene sets associated with LUAD: ALOX5, IL2RA, MMP9, and PPARG. Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between these target genes and immune responses. Molecular docking results indicated that SLBZP could modulate these target genes through various bioactive compounds, indirectly affecting macrophages to enhance the immune system’s functional state. This study provides new insights into the role of tonifying TCM formulas in tumor immune modulation and offers theoretical support for future clinical research.