Exploring mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis immune modulation based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

WANG Ruixin; LUO Miaozhi; WANG Jinyi; YU Lei; ZHANG Xiaopo; SONG Hui

doi:10.13557/j.cnki.issn1002-2813.2025.07.019

Abstract：The mechanism of immunomodulatory effects ofCuscuta chinensis was investigated by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.The main active components of cuscuta and their targets(obtained from TCMSP platform)and immune-related targets(obtained from Genecards,TTD and OMIM databases)were intersected by Venny 2.1.0,and the relevant data were imported into STRING database to construct a PPI network.The"Dodder-Active ingredient-Intersection target"was established using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software,and core targets were screened by Degree≥39.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using the DAVID platform to elucidate key pathways.AutoDockTools software was employed to validate the docking effects of key Cuscuta chinensis compounds with the TOP5 core targets.The results revealed 11 key compounds,including sesamin,campesterol,isofuranthiol,matrine,thymol,CLR,and quercetin,corresponding to 159 targets.GO analysis identified 653 entries,and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 155 signaling pathways.Molecular docking results indicated that the active components quercetin,kaempferol,and matrine in Cuscuta chinensis exhibited high binding activity with core target proteins such as protein kinase 1(AKT1),tumor protein P53(TP53),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).The study concluded that Cuscuta chinensis may exert immune-regulatory effects by modulating signaling pathways such as HIF-1,MAPK,TNF,and IL-17,as well as immune-related targets.In poultry and livestock farming,it can enhance immunity,promote healthy growth.