Investigation of the effects of Bergenin on CD4+T cells in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and immune system cells, especially T lymphocytes, play akey role in its pathogenesis (Luo, 2025).AIM: Bergenin (BER) dramatically lessens the severity of psoriasis, according to studies done on a psoriasis mouse modelfor a doctoral thesis (Keskin et al. 2024). In this regard, the current work intends to assess the immunoregulatory effects onCD4+ and CD3+ T cell populations in a psoriasis mouse model of the BER drug, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatoryqualities and demonstrated effectiveness in ex vivo investigations on helper T (Th) cell growth.Materials & METHODS: The effects of CD4+ T cells (Th1, Th17, Th22, and Treg) and CD3+ T cells on the release of IL-6, IL10, IL-22, and TNF-α cytokines in mouse inguinal lymph node and spleen tissues were thoroughly characterized by flowcytometry to clarify the mechanism of action of BER. Flow cytometry results were analyzed using the BD Fascaria III FlowCytometry or FlowJo. Data were performed with Student t test using Graphpad.RESULTS: In the results, significant increases in the percentage of CD4+, CD4+IL-17+, CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-22+ T cellswere observed in the IMQ group, whereas a significant decrease in the percentage of CD3+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells wasfound. While BER therapy stabilized the CD4+ T cell population, it dramatically reduced Th17 cells (CD4+IL-17+) andproinflammatory IL-22+ cells. Furthermore, CD3+TNF-α+ T cell ratio was significantly decreased in the treatment groupcompared to the IMQ group.CONCLUSION: Our results showed that BER has the potential to restore immune homeostasis by suppressingproinflammatory T cell responses in psoriasis mouse model and may be an effective therapeutic candidate, especially withits Th17/Treg balance regulating effects. More detailed studies are needed to fully understand the immunomodulatoryactivity of BER and to transfer it to clinical applications. Keywords: Psoriasis, T cell, Th17, Treg, Th22, Bergenin