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Baicalin promotes antiviral IFNs production and alleviates type I IFN-induced neutrophil inflammation

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Abstract

Type I and III interferons (IFNs) both serve as pivotal components of the host antiviral innate immune system. Although they exert similar antiviral effects, type I IFNs can also activate neutrophil inflammation, a function not born by type III IFNs. Baicalin, the main bioactive component of Scutellariae radix, has been shown to exert therapeutic effects on viral diseases due to its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immunomulatory activities. There is uncertainty, however, on the association between the antiviral effects of baicalin and the modulation of anti-viral IFNs production and the immunological effects of type I IFNs. Here, a Poly (I:C)-stimulated A549 cell line was established to mimic a viral infection model. Our results demonstrated that baicalin could elevate the expression of type I and III IFNs and their receptors in Poly (I:C)-stimulated A549 cells. Moreover, the potential regulation effects of baicalin for type I IFN-induced neutrophil inflammation was further explored. Results showed that baicalin diminished the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α), ROS, and neutrophil extracellular traps and suppressed chemotaxis. Collectively, all these data indicated that baicalin had a dual role on IFNs production and effects: (1) Baicalin was able to elevate the expression of type I and III IFNs and their receptors, (2) and it alleviated type I IFN-mediated neutrophil inflammatory response. This meant that baicalin has the potential to act as an eximious immunomodulator, exerting antiviral effects and reducing inflammation.

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All data included in this article are available from the corresponding author upon request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank all those who contributed to this work.

Funding

This study received funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China [No. 82160835], Guangxi Natural Science Foundation [No. 2021GXNSFAA196053], Science and Technology Program of Liuzhou [No. 2022SB001, and 2021CBB0101], Guangxi Basic Ability Promotion Project of Middle-aged and Young Teachers in Colleges and Universities [No. 2022KY0096], and Scientific Research Project of Liuzhou People’s Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University [No. lry202203, and No. lry202210].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Infection Disease and Immunology, Research Center of Medical Sciences, Liuzhou People’s Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, 545006, Guangxi, China

    Li Li, Man-Jing Jiang, Huan-Hua Yang, Lin-Pan Liang, Li-Jun Ning & Ying Wu

  2. School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China

    Jia-Min Dong & He-He Ye

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Li, L., Dong, JM., Ye, HH. et al. Baicalin promotes antiviral IFNs production and alleviates type I IFN-induced neutrophil inflammation. J Nat Med 77, 677–687 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-023-01702-0

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