Integrated network pharmacological analysis revealed that Smilax glabra Roxb. alleviates IMQ-induced psoriatic skin inflammation through regulating T cell immune response

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunctional T cells and dysregulated immune responses. Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGR) is a formulation used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis. This study explores the scientific basis for its use by examining the effects of SGR on T cell differentiation and insulin receptor signaling, relevant pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Aim of the study: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of SGR (a Chinese medicine) in psoriasis and its impact on T cell differentiation. Materials and methods: An integrated network pharmacology and bioinformatics approach was employed to elucidate the mechanisms of SGR in regulating T cell differentiation. A psoriasis mouse model was utilized to evaluate the effects of SGR on T cell subsets. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses were conducted to investigate the modulation of insulin receptor signaling pathways by SGR. Results: SGR treatment effectively reset the expression of various T cell subsets in the psoriasis mouse model, suggesting its ability to regulate T cell differentiation and immune function. Furthermore, SGR treatment inhibited insulin receptor signaling and downstream pathways, including PI3K/AKT and ERK, in psoriatic skin lesions. This indicates that SGR may exert its therapeutic effects through modulation of the insulin receptor signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of SGR in psoriasis. By modulating T cell differentiation and targeting the insulin receptor signaling pathway, SGR holds promise as a potential treatment option for psoriasis.