Network pharmacology analysis of children pneumonia: Exploration of inflammation-related signaling pathways and potential therapeutic intervention targets

Childhood pneumonia, a common respiratory disease, is driven by inflammatory responses that play a key regulatory role in its progression. This study aims to explore inflammatory signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for childhood pneumonia. Using the GSE249575 dataset, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in childhood pneumonia were identified through SANGERBOX. Target genes for childhood pneumonia and inflammatory pathways were predicted using GeneCards. A protein-protein interaction network was built via the STRING database to pinpoint key hub genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted on both the filtered DEGs and the identified hub genes using SANGERBOX. GSVA enrichment analysis was carried out with the GSVA package, and potential drug candidates were identified via the Connectivity Map platform. Immune infiltration analysis was performed using SANGERBOX. Significant differences in gene expression patterns were observed between the childhood pneumonia group and the control group. DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes. The intersection of target genes for childhood pneumonia and inflammatory pathways with DEGs yielded 25 pivotal hub DEGs. These hub genes demonstrated their primary involvement in inflammation and infection-related signaling pathways. Key pathways involved in the infection response were activated in childhood pneumonia, playing a crucial role in inflammation, immunity, and disease progression. The immune infiltration pattern in the childhood pneumonia group differed from that in the control group. Distinct disparities were observed between the pediatric pneumonia and control groups in gene expression, signaling pathway enrichment, and immune cell infiltration. These findings shed light on further exploring therapeutic targets for childhood pneumonia.