Regulatory T cell (Treg) deficiency leads to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, which is a CD4+ T cell-driven autoimmune disease in both humans and mice. Despite understanding the molecular and cellular characteristics of IPEX syndrome, new treatment options have remained elusive. Here, we hypothesized that salvianolic acid B (Sal B), one of the main active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza, can protect against immune disorders induced by Treg deficiency. To examine whether Sal B can inhibit Treg deficiency-induced autoimmunity, Treg-deficient scurfy (SF) mice with a mutation in forkhead box protein 3 were treated with different doses of Sal B. Immune cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokines were evaluated by flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Kits, respectively. Moreover, RNA sequencing, western blot, and real-time PCR were adopted to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of Sal B. Sal B prolonged lifespan and reduced inflammation in the liver and lung of SF mice. Moreover, Sal B decreased plasma levels of several inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, TNF-α, and IL-6, in SF mice. By analyzing the transcriptomics of livers, we determined the signaling pathways, especially the IL-2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling pathway, which were associated with Treg deficiency-induced autoimmunity. Remarkably, Sal B reversed the expression of gene signatures related to the IL-2-STAT5 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Sal B prolongs survival and inhibits lethal inflammation in SF mice through the IL-2-STAT5 axis. Our findings may inspire novel drug discovery efforts aimed at treating IPEX syndrome.
Keywords: IL‐2‐STAT5 signaling; IPEX syndrome; Treg deficiency; autoimmunity; salvianolic acid B.
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