Integrated hepatic single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics reveals the immune and metabolic modulation of Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction in mice with coronavirus-induced pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Although Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction (QFPDD) is extensively used clinically to treat COVID-19 patients, the mechanism by which it modulates the immunological and metabolic functions of liver tissue remains unknown.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action of QFPDD in the treatment of mice with coronavirus-induced pneumonia by combining integrated hepatic single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics.

Methods: We developed a human coronavirus pneumonia model in BALB/c mice by infecting them with human coronavirus HCoV-229E with stimulating them with cold-damp environment. We initially assessed the status of inflammation and immunity in model mice treated with or without QFPDD by detecting peripheral blood lymphocytes and inflammatory cytokines. Then, single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were performed on mouse liver tissue.

Results: HCoV-229E infection in combination with exposure to a cold-damp environment significantly decreased the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, B cells) in mice, which was enhanced by QFPDD therapy. Meanwhile, the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly increased in mouse models but significantly decreased by QFPDD treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that QFPDD could attenuate disease-associated alterations in gene expression, core transcriptional regulatory networks, and cell-type composition. Computational predictions indicated that QFPDD rectified the observed aberrant patterns of cell-cell communication. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of liver tissue in the Model group were distinct from mice in the Control group, and QFPDD significantly regulated hepatic purine metabolism.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to integrate hepatic single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics into a TCM formula and these valuable findings indicate that QFPDD can improve immune function and reduce liver injury and inflammation.

Keywords: Cold-damp environment; Coronavirus disease 2019; Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction; Single-cell RNA sequencing; Untargeted metabolomics.