In-Silico Modelling and Analysis of the Effect of Immusante on Immune System and Cancer Pathology

Abstract

Cancer therapy has been at the centre stage for decades in the scientific fraternity. Several chemical and biochemical actives have been studied for their effect on cancer therapy. In the present study, we have studied the therapeutic effects of a herbal formulation, Immusante, containing bioactive compounds such as Apigenin, Quercetin, Betulinic Acid, and Oleanolic Acid on cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis and survival. The immunomodulatory effects of Immusante were incorporated in a cancer-specific mathematical model to quantify the therapeutic effects. Cancer model simulation with Immusante showed a significant reduction of tumour proliferation, reduction of immunosuppressive species, and increase in the CD8 effector T cell function. The effect of the Immusante, along with a chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), was simulated to assess the effect of combination therapy. The addition of 5-FU as a monotherapy showed a 28% increase in the population with no/ very low tumorigenesis. A combination of 5-FU and Immusante showed a 44% increase in the population with no/very low tumorigenesis. A similar trend was seen for population size with low immune suppression, where 5-FU monotherapy showed a 26% increase, Immusante showed 12%, and a combination of 5-FU and Immusante showed a 43% increase in the population with low immune suppression, indicating increased efficiency of effector species in the presence of Immusante. Similar results were obtained for other drugs such as Cyclophosphamide, Platinum-based drugs, Vincristine, Taxane, Irinotecan, and Anthracyclines combined with Immusante. It is observed that chemotherapy alone can bring clearance in the tumour, further augmented by incorporating Immusante as a herbal adjuvant. Simulations suggest that combination enhances effectiveness and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy. It was observed that Immusante could effectively counter side-effects and adaptive response of cancer cells to improve efficacy and normalize immune response. The immunomodulatory properties of Immusante have been shown to restore balance in immune response and reduce the cytotoxic effects of drugs on healthy organs. These characteristics make Immusante a promising adjuvant during cancer management and improve the quality of the treatment.