Cannabinoids affect dendritic cell (DC) potassium channel function and modulate DC T cell stimulatory capacity.
Cannabinoids affect diverse biological processes, including functions of the immune system. With respect to the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of cannabinoids have been reported. Cannabinoids stimulate G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found primarily on neurons. However, they are also found on dendritic cells (DC), which are recognized for their critical role in initiating and maintaining immune responses. Therefore, DC are potential targets for cannabinoids. We report in this study that cannabinoids reduced the DC surface expression of MHC class II molecules as well as their capacity to stimulate T cells. In the nervous system, CB1 receptor signaling modulates K(+) and Ca(2+) channels. Interestingly, cannabinoid-treated DC also showed altered voltage-gated potassium (K(V)) channel function. We speculate that attenuation of K(V) channel function via CB1 receptor signaling in DC may represent one mechanism by which cannabinoids alter DC function.
Wacnik
Paul W
PW
Department of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Luhr
Katarina M
KM
Hill
Russell H
RH
Ljunggren
Hans-Gustaf
HG
Kristensson
Krister
K
Svensson
Mattias
M
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D002186:Cannabinoids; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1