Artesunate demonstrates neuroprotective effect through activation of lysosomal function and inhibition of cGAS-STING pathway

Abstract

Artesunate, a derivative of artemisinin, has a variety of pharmacological effects. Its potential application in ischemic brain injury still largely unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of artesunate in neuronal injury following cerebral ischemia, and explore the potential role of lysosomal function and cGAS-STING signaling pathway in ischemia injury and artesunate treatment. Studies in rat models have revealed that artesunate can ameliorate neuronal injury and improve learning and memory function following ischemic insults. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro studies have confirmed that artesunate can protect neural cells from ischemic injury-induced cell death. Mechanistically, artesunate appears to exert its neuroprotective actions by activating lysosomal function and inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway-mediated inflammatory response. Our findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic effects of artesunate exerting a neuroprotective role in chronic ischemic brain injury by activating lysosomal function, inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway, and regulating the inflammatory response. This study offers a potential therapeutic strategy by regulating lysosome for the treatment of stroke and related neurological disorders.