Tripterygium wilfordii attenuates IgE-mediated type I allergy by regulating Th1/Th2 balance

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TWHF) is a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological activities, yet its therapeutic effects on type I hypersensitivity has not been clarified. This study investigated the treatment and potential mechanisms of TWHF and its major bioactive component Triptolide (TPL) on type I allergy. The treatment mechanism was predicted by network pharmacology. Tripterygium wilfordii Polycoride Tablet (TWPT) and TPL were selected as therapeutic agents for type I allergy in RBL-2H3 cell and in PCA and PSA models.25 molecular targets were screened, and IL4, IL2, PIK3CG and CXCR4 that have a strong correlation with TWHF anti-type I allergy. Furthermore, TWHF may regulate type I allergy via Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, PI3K-Akt and calcium signaling pathway. The results in vitro experiments showed that TWHF can dose-dependently reduce the release of β-hex and histamine induced by IgE, based on cell morphology, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, cell apoptosis rate and TNF-α release, TWHF was found to significantly inhibit RBL-2H3 cell degranulation, and TWPT was more effective than TPL in treating type I allergy. Results in vivo indicated that TWHF can dose-dependently inhibit plasma dye exudation and tissue edema in ears, backs and paws in PCA and PSA models. In addition, we also discovered that TWHF could regulate Th1/Th2 balance in PSA model in vivo. In conclusion, TWHF has the potential to be utilized as a medication to treat type I allergy. This work provides new perspectives on the pharmacological mechanism of TWHF.

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