Exploration of the Potential Mechanisms of Yinqiao Powder in Treating Atopic Dermatitis: Integrating Network Pharmacology, Single-Cell, and Bulk RNA Sequencing

Abstract

Purpose Yinqiao powder (YQP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used clinically to treat infectious diseases such as respiratory tract infections, influenza, and pneumonia, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This study aimed to investigate its therapeutic potential for atopic dermatitis (AD) and to identify its key target genes and active components. Methods We performed mRNA transcriptome sequencing on blood samples collected from 15 adult patients with AD and 15 adult healthy controls. Potential targets were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with known YQP target genes. Key genes were pinpointed using protein-protein interaction networks and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We estimated immune cell proportions, constructed regulatory networks, and used molecular docking to predict active ingredients. Single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE180885) was also analyzed to identify key cell types and track gene expression. Results Fifty-two potential target genes were identified. From these, four key genes—CTNNB1, ERBB2, TP53, and HIF1A—were highlighted, potentially involved in carbon metabolism and organelle biosynthesis. A nomogram model based on these genes showed strong predictive power for AD. Immune analysis linked resting CD4+ memory T cells with TP53 and HIF1A. Molecular docking suggested beta-carotene, aloe-emodin, and quercetin as potential active ingredients binding to these key targets. Single-cell analysis identified keratinocytes as a key population, with key gene expression varying during their differentiation. Conclusion This study indicates that CTNNB1, ERBB2, TP53, and HIF1A are key targets of YQP in AD treatment, with beta-carotene, aloe-emodin, and quercetin as likely active components. These findings provide a theoretical basis for using YQP in AD therapy.