Authors
Xiaoyan Wang, Zhuoga Mima, Wujie Sai, Lijuan Song, Hao Li
Published in
Applied biochemistry and biotechnology. Sep 18, 2026. Epub Sep 18, 2026.
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the microsatellite-stable (MSS) subtype accounting for ~ 85% of cases, remains refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors due to persistent immunosuppression. Shaoyao Decoction (SYD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, the mechanisms by which it modulates immune responses in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated SYD's efficacy in AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC and PD-L1-overexpressing MC38 syngeneic models, using the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-202 as a positive control. In vivo, SYD significantly suppressed tumor growth, normalized colon structure, and reduced tumor burden, with efficacy comparable to BMS-202 but without overt toxicity. Mechanistically, SYD downregulated PD-L1 expression in tumor and spleen tissues, shifted serum cytokines toward a pro-inflammatory profile characterized by increased IL-2 and IFN-γ as well as decreased IL-10 and TGF-β, and restored CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell balance. In vitro, SYD inhibited the viability of PD-L1-overexpressing MC38 cells and reduced PD-L1 mRNA expression. Collectively, SYD exerts potent anti-CRC effects by targeting PD-L1 to remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. As a multi-target agent, it holds great promise for MSS-CRC, bridging TCM with modern immuno-oncology.
PMID:
42758395
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 19 Sep 2026.
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