ST36 acupoint implantation of an astragaloside IV–glycyrrhizic acid drug eluting suture enhances immune function in weaned lambs by modulating the Treg/Th17 balance

In this study, an astragaloside IV- and glycyrrhizic acid-loaded drug-eluting suture system (A.G.-ES) was developed to improve the stability and practicality of immune-enhancing intervention, and its immunomodulatory effects after implantation at the Zusanli acupoints (ST36) were evaluated in both cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice and weaned lambs.

In mice, colon histology, flow cytometry of gut-associated lymphoid tissues, proteomics, and qPCR were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. In lambs, complete blood counts, immunoglobulin levels, and single-cell transcriptomic profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed. The results showed that A.G.-ES alleviated colonic mucus layer injury, increased goblet cell numbers and mucus secretion, and promoted restoration of the Treg/Th17 balance in immunosuppressed mice.