BackgroundAcute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and progressive fibrosis, with limited effective therapies. Kangxianhuanji Formula (KHF), a traditional herbal prescription, has been used clinically for AE-IPF, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms and active constituents of KHF.MethodsA bleomycin-induced AE-IPF mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of KHF using histopathology, immunofluorescence, and inflammatory assessments. Network pharmacology was applied to predict targets, followed by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) to identify direct binding proteins.
Quantitative proteomics was used to validate target-related protein expression and pathway changes in vivo.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 24 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Kangxianhuanji formula and its component rutin ameliorate acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by targeting GLUT1 to suppress HIF-1α–mediated glycolysis.
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