Abstract

We adopted a network pharmacology approach, including the collection of active ingredients through literature retrieval, drug target prediction, gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment, to systematically explore the underlying mechanisms of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) extracts in the treatment of immunocompromised diseases. A total of 53 chemical components of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) extracts were identified through literature retrieval, and 1267 possible therapeutic targets that may improve immune function were predicted by the database. Gene ontology analysis results illustrated that the targets of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) extracts, which enhance immunomodulatory function, were primarily concentrated in biological processes such as cellular response to chemical stress, leukocyte cell-cell adhesion, and leukocyte migration. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis demonstrated that the target genes were mainly involved in programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression and the programmed cell death-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, T helper 17 cell differentiation, and the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. According to protein-protein interaction network analysis, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) extracts attenuated immunodeficiency effects which may be related to the key therapeutic proteins such as epidermal growth factor receptor, heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1, RELA, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, estrogen receptor alpha, protein kinase B alpha, inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in b-cells kinase gamma, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2, TANK-binding kinase 1, and mechanistic target of rapamycin. This study revealed that the therapeutic effects of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) extracts on immunocompromised diseases were regulated by interactions among multiple components, targets, and pathways.