Immune control by endocannabinoids - new mechanisms of neuroprotection?
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands and enzymes for synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids and represents a local messenger system within and between the nervous and immune system. Apparently, the endocannabinoid system is involved in immune control and neuoprotection. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms of immune control by endocannabinoids, which include the modulation of innate immunity, effects on cytokin networks, downregulation of adaptive immune response and apoptosis in immune cells.
Ullrich
Oliver
O
Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. oliver.ullrich@medizine.uni-magdeburg.de
Merker
Katrin
K
Timm
Johanna
J
Tauber
Svantje
S
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000502:physiology
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D016207:Cytokines; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid