Exploring the anti-lung cancer mechanism of <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> and its relationship with the level of immune cell infiltration based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Abstract Objectives Ganoderma lucidum has anti-tumor effects, but its mechanism of action against lung cancer is not clear. This study aims to use molecular docking and network pharmacology to investigate how G. lucidum inhibits tumor growth in lung cancer and how this relationship relates to the degree of immune cell infiltration. Methods By utilizing the TCMSP database, the therapeutic targets and active ingredients of G. lucidum were discovered. Based on the targets found in subsequent rounds of screening, a protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted using GO and the KEGG. The molecular docking was conducted with the help of AutoDock Tools and PyMOL. Finally, we investigated the relationships between immune cells and the commonalities between lung cancer and. Results The primary targets of G. lucidum ’s anti-lung cancer activities, according to network pharmacology studies, are ADRB2, OPRM1, SLC6A4, and JUN. The primary components of the lung cancer fighter Ergosterol are ganoderal B, ganolucidic acid E, and beta-sitosterol. The molecular docking analysis revealed that beta-sitosterol had the highest degree of stability in its docking interaction with JUN. The immune infiltration analysis indicated a potential correlation between the biomarkers associated with G. lucidum treatment for lung cancer and the immune infiltrating cells. Conclusions G. lucidum combats lung cancer by targeting multiple components and signaling pathways, facilitating cancer cell apoptosis and interacting with immune responses. This elucidates potential avenues for future research into G. lucidum ’s mechanisms in lung cancer therapy.