Cordyceps Sinensis Reduces Inflammation and Protects BEAS-2B Cells From LPS-Induced THP-1 Cell Injury

  • J Inflamm Res. 2025 Mar 19:18:4143-4156. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S508098.
Xiaqing Wu  #  1  2 ,  Xin Li  #  2 ,  Ying Chai  1  2 ,  Yushan Tian  1  2 ,  Hongjuan Wang  1  2 ,  Xiao Li  1  2 ,  Jingzheng Zhang  2 ,  Chunmei Guang  2 ,  Enliang Hong  2 ,  Haoping Cheng  2 ,  Qingyuan Hu  1  2 ,  Huan Chen  1  2 ,  Hongwei Hou  1  2
Affiliations
  • 1. Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
  • 2. Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
  • # Contributed equally.
PMID: 40125085 DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S508098
Abstract

Introduction: Cordyceps sinensis, an entomogenous fungus with unique biological properties, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory potential. However, its effects on inflammation regulation need to be further investigated in detail.

Methods: In this study, we aimed to analyze the Cordyceps sinensis extract (CSE) obtained via ethanol extraction and to assess its effects on inflammation regulation. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β) and the level of MMP9, Nrf2/HO-1 and ROS were evaluated. A transwell system with THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells was used to explore the inflammatory damage. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on the differentially expressed genes.

Results: CSE exhibited no cytotoxicity to THP-1 cells at concentrations ≤ 1.6 mg/mL. Treatment of LPS-induced THP-1 cells with CSE significantly inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CSE reduced inflammation-related protein MMP9, while upregulating the anti-inflammatory Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Fluorescence assays using DCF and JC-1 further confirmed that CSE help mitigate oxidative stress-induced inflammation. CSE treatment protected BEAS-2B cells from inflammatory damage. Moreover, the immune system process was a shared GO term between LPS-only treatment and combined LPS and CSE treatment. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that CSE is capable of regulating genes associated with inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of CSE as an immune-regulating agent in functional foods and health products.

Keywords
Cordyceps sinensis; anti-inflammatory; macrophage; transcriptomic analyses.
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