The phytochemical arbutin exerts potent anti-Toxoplasma effects through activation of cell-autonomous defense mechanisms while attenuating inflammation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plant-derived natural products have emerged as promising candidates for developing novel anti-toxoplasmosis drugs. This study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of the phytochemical arbutin in the control of T. gondii infection.

Methodology/principal findings

The effect of arbutin on T. gondii infection and host inflammatory response was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq was performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage samples to identify potential arbutin-related biological processes and molecular targets that control T. gondii infection. These targets were further confirmed using target-specific activators or inhibitors. Our data indicated that arbutin has dual therapeutic effects against T. gondii infection through concurrently controllin

SUBMITTER: Liu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711086 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature