Integrative network pharmacology and experimental validation of multi-target synergy against multidrug-resistant klebsiella pneumoniae via PI3K/AKT-MAPK pathway disruption

Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) infections present a global health crisis, with escalating resistance to last-line antibiotics. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) demonstrate multi-component synergy against resistant pathogens. This study deciphered the antibacterial mechanisms of bioactive TCM components targeting MDR-KP through integrative pharmacology and experimental validation. Four core TCMs ( Scutellaria baicalensis , Forsythia suspensa , Lonicera japonica , Aloe vera ) were screened via Chinese Pharmacopoeia and TCMSP database. Network pharmacology identified core components and enriched pathways. Clinically isolated MDR-KP strains (resistant to meropenem, polymyxin E, and tigecycline) were characterized. Synergistic effects were evaluated using checkerboard assays, biofilm quantification, and membrane permeability assays. Molecular docking and RT-qPCR analyzed target interactions, while ELISA and CCK-8 assessed anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity. Consequently, luteolin, wogonin, and kaempferol were identified as key components targeting PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Their triple combination (2/4/8 μg/mL) exhibited potent synergy (FIC = 0.38), reducing biofilm biomass by 68% (p < 0.001) and extracellular polysaccharide thickness from 15.1 μm to 3.1 μm (p < 0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed a 144.8% increase in membrane permeability. Molecular docking revealed high-affinity binding to PI3K (− 6.78 kcal/mol), AKT1 (− 6.60 kcal/mol), and MAPK1 (− 7.24 kcal/mol), with RT-qPCR showing significant downregulation of these genes (p < 0.001). The combination suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 release by 72% and 65%, respectively, while maintaining 95.5% cell viability at therapeutic concentrations. In Conclusion, this study unveils a triple-action mechanism of luteolin-wogonin-kaempferol against MDR-KP, simultaneously disrupting resistance pathways, biofilms, and hyperinflammation. The regimen offers a safe, multi-target therapeutic strategy for combating drug-resistant infections.