1.Research progress on the mechanisms of Tibetan medicine Gentianopsis paludosa and its chemical components against ulcerative colitis and associated fibrosis
Huan LI ; Qing NIE ; Yongkang AN ; Shuangxi ZHANG ; Xiang’an ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):676-681
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease of the intestine. Intestinal fibrosis represents a severe co mplication and a potential risk factor for malignant transformation. Gentianopsis paludosa is one of the traditional Tibetan medicines commonly used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery. Its chemical composition is complex, encompassing xanthones, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other bioactive components, and it exhibits properties such as clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and detoxifying. This article reviews the research progress on the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of G. paludosa against UC and associated fibrosis. Findings suggest that its extracts (e.g., aqueous extract, ethyl acetate extract) and active constituents (e.g., 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone, ursolic acid, swertiamarin, luteolin) may inhibit inflammatory cytokines, combat oxidative stress, suppress cell apoptosis, regulate intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, protect the intestinal mucosal barrier, modulate immune responses, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through modulating relevant signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein, and transforming growth factor-β 1 /Smad, thus exerting therapeutic effects against UC and its related fibrosis via these seven aspects.
2.Genetically-modified, redirected T cells target hepatitis B surface antigen-positive hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma lesions in a clinical setting
Xueshuai WAN ; Karin WISSKIRCHEN ; Tao JIN ; Lu YANG ; Xiaorui WANG ; Xiang’an WU ; Fang LIU ; Yu WU ; Christy MA ; Yong PANG ; Qi LI ; Ke ZHANG ; Ulrike PROTZER ; Shunda DU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(4):735-755
Background/Aims:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA integration in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) can be targeted by HBV-specific T cells. SCG101 is an autologous, HBV-specific T-cell product expressing a T-cell receptor (TCR) after lentiviral transduction recognizing the envelope-derived peptide (S20-28) on HLA-A2. We here validated its safety and efficacy preclinically and applied it to an HBV-related HCC patient (NCT05339321).
Methods:
Good Manufacturing Practice-grade manufactured cells were assessed for off-target reactivity and functionality against hepatoma cells. Subsequently, a patient with advanced HBV-HCC (Child-Pugh class A, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0, hepatitis B e antigen-, serum hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]+, HBsAg+ hepatocytes 10%) received 7.9×107 cells/kg after lymphodepletion. Safety, T-cell persistence, and antiviral and antitumor efficacy were evaluated.
Results:
SCG101, produced at high numbers in a closed-bag system, showed HBV-specific functionality against HBV-HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, treatment was well tolerated, and all adverse events, including transient hepatic damage, were reversible. On day 3, ALT levels increased to 1,404 U/L, and concurrently, serum HBsAg started decreasing by 3.84 log10 and remained <1 IU/mL for over six months. HBsAg-expressing hepatocytes in liver biopsies were undetectable after 73 days. The patient achieved a partial response according to modified RECIST with a >70% reduction in target lesion size. Transferred T cells expanded, developed a stem cell-like memory phenotype, and were still detectable after six months in the patient’s blood.
Conclusions
SCG101 T-cell therapy showed encouraging efficacy and safety in preclinical models and in a patient with primary HBV-HCC and concomitant chronic hepatitis B with the capability to eliminate HBsAg+ cells and achieve sustained tumor control after single dosing.

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