Chlorogenic Acid Regulates Macrophage Polarization in <scp>LUAD</scp> by Inhibiting Taurodeoxycholic Acid Metabolism to Block the <scp>TGR5</scp> / <scp>STAT3</scp> Signaling Pathway
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) poses a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating the need for effective and less toxic therapies. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has attracted attention for its potential anti-tumor properties, but its efficacy and mechanisms in LUAD require thorough investigation. To evaluate CGA's potential, we conducted a comprehensive study in a LUAD mouse model. We performed CT scanning and histopathological analysis to confirm its dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. Body weight monitoring assessed its lower systemic toxicity compared to cisplatin. Flow cytometry revealed CGA's unique ability to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages by reducing immunosuppressive M2 polarization and promoting anti-tumor M1 phenotypes. Metabolomic profiling identified a significant reduction in the pro-tumor metabolite taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) upon CGA treatment. Subsequent in vitro co-culture studies and western blot analysis demonstrated that CGA disrupts the TDCA-activated TGR5/STAT3 signaling axis, which is crucial for M2 macrophage polarization. Our findings unveil a novel immunometabolic mechanism through which CGA suppresses LUAD by remodeling the tumor microenvironment, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic agent or adjunct with both efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
Authors
- Xiangjun Qi
- Bo An
- Xiwu Rao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7004-387X)
- Li Lin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2783-1114)
- Jietao Lin
- Jingrui Wang
- Minyi Guan
- Zhiqiang Chen
- Shujing Wang
- Lingling Sun
Institutions
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (CN)
- Sun Yat-sen University (CN)
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (CN)
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Phytotherapy Research
- Published
- 2026-01-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.70175
- Primary Topic
- Immune cells in cancer
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00