An integrated study on the immunomodulatory effects of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg in mice: Pharmacodynamics, serum pharmacochemistry, and network pharmacology

Abstract

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (TH) is a herbaceous vine in the family Vitaceae with known immune-enhancing properties. However, the bioactive components and therapeutic mechanisms of TH remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a comprehensive approach integrating pharmacodynamic validation, serum pharmacochemistry, and network pharmacology to determine the immunomodulatory effects of TH and screen for its bioactive components. Firstly, the immunomodulatory effects of TH on mice were analyzed and confirmed by monitoring body weight changes, organ indices, serum results, and TCR sequencing. Secondly, the prototype components absorbed into blood in plasma after administration of TH ethanol extract (THE) were analyzed and identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, and ten prototype components were characterized, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids. Finally, the obtained plasma components were input into the SwissTarget Prediction tool for drug target prediction, and disease targets were obtained from the Genecard and DrugBank databases. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen and determine core targets such as AKT1, STAT3, HIF1A. By identifying the plasma components of THE and their predicted core targets, this study provides a pharmacological basis for further investigation into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of TH.