The cannabinoid 2 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for sepsis.
The sepsis syndrome represents an improper immune response to pathogens and is associated with an unacceptably high rate of mortality. Although supportive care is of benefit to the septic patient, there are no viable therapeutics available that target the immune system suitable for the whole septic population. Recently, using a physiologically relevant murine mouse model, the cannabiniod 2 receptor has been shown to play a critical role in the host response to sepsis. Here, the structure, expression, signaling, and function of the CB2 receptor on leukocytes will be reviewed. Further, the effects mediated by the CB2 receptor during sepsis will be reviewed. Altogether, alterations in inflammation and the host response during sepsis by the CB2 receptor support its use as a possible therapeutic agent.
Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Kevin Richard
KR
Kasten
Johannes
J
Tschöp
Matthias Hans
MH
Tschöp
Charles Curtis
CC
Caldwell
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*
D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2