I-OPV: Synergistic Macrophage Immunomodulation In Pulpitis

This study evaluates the biocompatibility and immunomodulatory effects of I-OPV on macrophages, exploring its potential for synergistic antibacterial-regenerative therapy in pulpitis. Approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (Approval No. 20250199). Macrophages were treated with I-OPV, chlorhexidine (CHX), or NaOCl. Cell viability and morphology were assessed via CCK-8 assay and light microscopy. LPS-induced M1 polarization (CD86+) was analyzed by flow cytometry. Molecular docking (AutoDockTools1.5.7) predicted I-OPV binding to ADRB2, MTNR1A, and HRH3; STRING database (v11.5) identified key nodes in signaling networks. I-OPV maintained macrophage viability (≈95% vs. 65-75% for CHX/NaOCl) with intact morphology. LPS-induced M1 polarization (22.7%) decreased to 11.3% post-I-OPV treatment. Molecular docking revealed strong binding to ADRB2 (π-π stacking with Tyr316, salt bridge with Asp113), MTNR1A (hydrogen bond with Ser110), and HRH3 (electrostatic interaction with Glu206). STAT3 and mTOR were central to antibacterial-regenerative pathways. I-OPV synergizes antibacterial and regenerative processes by modulating macrophage polarization and multi-target interactions, offering a novel strategy for pulpitis treatment.