Targeting immune cellular populations and transcription factors: unraveling the therapeutic potential of JQF for NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the immune cell reservoir within the liver undergoes remodeling, exacerbating liver inflammation and potentially leading to liver fibrosis. Jiangtang Qingre Formula (JQF) is an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. However, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Using a high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse model, we evaluated JQF's effects with biochemical tests and histopathology. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics furthered our understanding of NAFLD pathophysiology and JQF's treatment mechanisms. Our findings initially revealed significant improvements in JQF on hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis and glucose tolerance in NAFLD mice. Furthermore, significant changes were observed in the immune cells including monocytes, macrophages, and T cells in the livers of NAFLD mice. Notably, regions infiltrated by T cells presented the most severe liver inflammation and fibrosis. Importantly, JQF effectively modulated these immune cells. Advanced subcluster and cell communication analyses identified key macrophage (KCs, MoMFs) and T cell (Tc, Th2) subpopulations in JQF's therapeutic actions. Further SCENIC analysis additionally uncovered the essential transcription factors that regulate these cell subclusters, such as Stat2, Mta3, Eomes, and Etv5. Overall, our research suggests a promising potential therapeutic agent and identifies critical cell populations and transcription factors that contribute to its therapeutic effects, thereby revealing potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD.