Prophylactic Administration of Gypsophila oldhamiana Extract Restricts Acute Toxoplasma gondii Infection via the DC-IL-12-CD8⁺ T Cell Axis in a Murine Model.

introductionToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a globally prevalent parasite that poses significant medical and veterinary challenges. Although current therapies such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are effective, they often cause severe adverse effects, including myelosuppression, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. In this study, we evaluated the immunostimulatory and antiparasitic activities of three traditional herbal extracts, Stellaria dichotoma L. var. lanceolata Bge. (LDS), Stellaria aquaatic (SA) and Gypsophila oldhamiana (GO), in a murine model of T. gondii infection.

methodsTo investigate mechanisms, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were treated in vitro. For the in vivo model, C57BL/6 mice received oral extracts (100 mg/kg/day) for 13 days, starting six days prior to intraperitoneal challenge with T. gondii (ME49). Parasite burden and splenic immune profiles were analyzed at 7 days post-infection to assess acute-phase containment.

resultsThe findings of this study show that in vitro, GO extract promoted the maturation of BMDCs, significantly increasing CD11c

conclusionTherefore, our findings show that GO extract limits acute T. gondii infection by modulating the DC-IL-12-CD8⁺ T cell axis. This study provides a modern immunological basis for the traditional use of Yinchaihu and highlights GO as a promising plant-based candidate for preventing and maintaining immunological balance during intracellular parasitic challenges.