# Identification of Natural Compounds Triggering MRGPRX2-Mediated Calcium Flux and Degranulation in RBL-2H3 Cells

**Authors:** Lihui Zhang, Jing Liu, Jian Zheng, Wenguang Jing, Wenjuan Zhang, Jia Chen, Xinyue Zhang, Xianlong Cheng, Feng Wei

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/cells15030287 · Cells · 2026-02-03

## TL;DR

The study identifies natural compounds that trigger mast cell degranulation via MRGPRX2, offering insights into anaphylactoid reactions and drug safety.

## Contribution

A novel MRGPRX2-overexpressing cell model and identification of natural compounds causing mast cell activation.

## Key findings

- Baohuoside I and other compounds increased calcium flux and degranulation in mast cells.
- MRGPRX2 inhibitor Z3578 reduced degranulation induced by these compounds.
- The cell model is suitable for studying anaphylactoid reactions.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?
Established a human MRGPRX2-overexpressing cell model that exhibits enhanced sensitivity to mast cell degranulation.Computer-assisted screening identified natural compounds capable of inducing mast cell degranulation and triggering anaphylactoid reactions.

Established a human MRGPRX2-overexpressing cell model that exhibits enhanced sensitivity to mast cell degranulation.

Computer-assisted screening identified natural compounds capable of inducing mast cell degranulation and triggering anaphylactoid reactions.

What are the implications of the main findings?
The established cell model is suitable for in vitro research on anaphylactoid reactions.This study offers valuable insights for drug safety warnings, dosage control, and mechanistic discovery.

The established cell model is suitable for in vitro research on anaphylactoid reactions.

This study offers valuable insights for drug safety warnings, dosage control, and mechanistic discovery.

Natural compounds have experienced increasing clinical application, but their association with rapid-onset anaphylactoid reactions (ARs) present a significant challenge to their safe use. These ARs, clinically resembling Type I hypersensitivity, are non-IgE-mediated and involve direct mast cell activation, primarily through the human Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). We computationally screened a natural compound library for MRGPRX2 activation. A human MRGPRX2-expressing cell model was established. Cell viability assays (0–80 μM) were performed to determine appropriate drug concentrations. Compared to the controls, Baohuoside I (10 μM), along with Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Isochlorogenic Acid B, Baicalin, Andrographolide, Isorhamnetin, and Dehydroandrographolide (all at 20 μM), significantly increased intracellular calcium flux (p < 0.05) and boosted tryptase and β-hexosaminidase secretion (ELISA) (p < 0.05) in mast cells. Furthermore, the degranulation induced by these compounds was inhibited by the MRGPRX2 inhibitor Z3578 at 20 μM. Neutral red staining was employed to observe cellular morphological changes. Specific compounds capable of mediating ARs through MRGPRX2 activation on mast cells were identified. This contributes to safer and more effective drug use by elucidating the potential triggers of ARs.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** MRGPRX2 (MAS related GPR family member X2) [NCBI Gene 117194]
- **Chemicals:** Baohuoside I (PubChem CID 5488822), Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (PubChem CID 5318767), Isochlorogenic Acid B (PubChem CID 5281780), Baicalin (PubChem CID 64982), Andrographolide (PubChem CID 5318517), Isorhamnetin (PubChem CID 5281654), Dehydroandrographolide (PubChem CID 78577438), Z3578 (PubChem CID 125564948)
- **Diseases:** Type I hypersensitivity (MONDO:0007817)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MRGPRX2 (MAS related GPR family member X2) [NCBI Gene 117194] {aka MGRG3, MRGX2}
- **Diseases:** Type I hypersensitivity (MESH:D006969)
- **Chemicals:** Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (MESH:C492687), Baicalin (MESH:C038044), Isochlorogenic Acid B (MESH:C478100), Isorhamnetin (MESH:C047368), Calcium Flux (-), Dehydroandrographolide (MESH:C478098), Andrographolide (MESH:C030419), EGCG (MESH:C045651), Baohuoside I (MESH:C060988)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

29 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12897250/full.md

## References

58 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12897250/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12897250