[Research progress of effect of artemisinin family drugs on T lymphocytes immunomodulation].

Artemisinin was isolated from traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua for treating malaria. A series of derivatives,like dihydroartemisinin,artesunate,artemether,artether,had the same core chemical structure,and sesquiterpene lactone containing peroxide bridge constitute the basic chemical structure. Besides anti-malaria,artemisinin family drugs were found to ameliorate many different diseases,which have attracted wide attention in recent years.

Dihydroartemisinin Regulates the Th/Treg Balance by Inducing Activated CD4+ T cell Apoptosis via Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction in Mouse Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a derivative of the herb that has prominent immunomodulatory activity; however, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition characterized as an autoimmune disorder that includes dysfunctions in the T helper (Th)/T regulatory cell (Treg) balance, which normally plays pivotal roles in immune homeostasis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of DHA to ameliorate IBD by restoring the Th/Treg cell balance.