Entrectinib attenuates LPS-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting JNK, p38, and AKT pathways and ameliorates cognitive impairment

Entrectinib, a Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, inhibits tropomyosin receptor kinases and penetrates the blood–brain barrier. Despite its approval, the effects of Entrectinib on neuroinflammatory responses and cognitive function within the central nervous system remain unclear. This study demonstrates that Entrectinib modulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory factors by suppressing JNK, p38, and AKT signaling, as well as NF-κB and STAT3 activity, in primary microglia. Entrectinib reduced CD16/32 levels, increased CD206 expression, enhanced phagocytic activity, and upregulated receptors and cytoskeletal genes in vitro. Additionally, Entrectinib decreased proinflammatory cytokines and inhibited JNK/p38/AKT and NF-κB/STAT3 signaling in the hippocampus of LPS-treated mice. Notably, Entrectinib ameliorated LPS-induced memory impairments in vivo. Collectively, these findings indicate that Entrectinib attenuates neuroinflammation and improves memory performance, supporting its potential therapeutic relevance for neuroinflammation-associated cognitive disorders.