Cited by 1Liver Disease Diagnosis and TreatmentLiver physiology and pathologyImmune Response and Inflammation

The natural product-derived JM-9 alleviates high-fat diet-induced fatty liver in mice by targeting MD2

Jin, Leiming, Cui, Yaqian, Zhang, Qianhui, Xiong, Yongqiang, Zheng, Xiangsheng, Ye, Jiaxi, Zhang, Anqi, Xiao, Zhongxiang +5 more·2025·International Immunopharmacology

Abstract

Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is gradually emerging as one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide. Previous research demonstrated the involvement of myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2), a co-receptor of TLR4, as a key mediator in MASLD pathogenesis. The current study identifies JM-9 as a novel MD2 inhibitor, and focuses on evaluating its potential therapeutic effects in mitigating MASLD progression. Methods Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay and surface plasmon resonance assay were utilized to evaluate the MD2-targeting specificity of JM-9. In vitro, hepatocytes and macrophages were stimulated with palmitic acid (PA) followed by JM-9 treatment. In vivo, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD model was established and subjected to JM-9 administration during the last 2 months. Results JM-9 directly bound the Phe76 residue of MD2 to disrupt the PA-induced MD2/TLR4 complex formation, thus further restoring AMPK phosphorylation and inhibiting NF-κB activation to reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation, respectively. In the HFD-mediated MASLD mouse model, JM-9 alleviated the binding between MD2 and TLR4 in the liver and counteracted hepatic TBK1 and p65 activation and AMPK suppression, thereby mitigating liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Conclusion JM-9, as a novel MD2 inhibitor, holds potential as a viable treatment option for MASLD by playing a dual role in regulating both lipid metabolism and inflammation response.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114053

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  • AMPK activation suppresses mTOR and NF-κB signaling while promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, mechanisms collectively associated with restorative macrophage polarization.

    “Its activation suppresses mTOR and NF-κB signaling while promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mechanisms collectively associated with restorative macrophage polarization (34, 37).”

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Authors
Jin, L., Cui, Y., Zhang, Q., Xiong, Y., Zheng, X., Ye, J., Zhang, A., Xiao, Z., Zhuang, Z., Liang, G., Hu, X., Luo, W., & Zhu, W.
Affiliations
  • Wenzhou Medical University (CN)
  • First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Hu, Xiang
  • Luo, Wu
  • Zhu, Weiwei
Venue
International Immunopharmacology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-02
Volume
148
Pages
114053
ISSN
1567-5769 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4406554060
Cited by
1
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
0.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • International Immunopharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
  • Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundation
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hepatology › Liver physiology and pathology
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immune Response and Inflammation
Keywords
MD-2, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic steatosis, TLR4, AMPK, NF-κB, TBK1, palmitic acid, liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, natural products
MeSH terms
RAW 264.7 Cells, Animals, Biological Products, Disease Models, Animal, Fatty Liver, Humans, Liver, Macrophages, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, NF-kappa B, Palmitic Acid, Hepatocytes, Chalcones, Toll-Like Receptor 4, Lymphocyte Antigen 96, Mice, Diet, High-Fat, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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