title: The role of CB1 in immune modulation by cannabinoids.
abstract: There is clear evidence that CB(2), historically referred to as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, mediates many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids. However, cannabinoid receptors cannot be classified simply as central or peripheral since CB(2) has been shown to play a role in the central nervous system (CNS) and CB(1) mediates many immune system effects. Although Cnr1 mRNA and CB(1) protein expression is lower than Cnr2 mRNA or CB(2) protein expression in cells of the immune system, several studies have shown direct modulation of immune function via CB(1) by endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids in T cells, innate cells, and to a lesser extent, B cells. In addition, indirect, but CB(1)-dependent, mechanisms of immune modulation exist. In fact, the mechanism by which cannabinoids attenuate neuroinflammation via CB(1) is likely a combination of immune suppression and neuroprotection. Although many studies demonstrate that agonists for CB(1) are immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory, CB(1) antagonists also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the data demonstrate that many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids are mediated via CB(1).
authors.affiliation: Center for Integrative Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Room 313, East Lansing, MI 48824-1630, United States. blkaplan@msu.edu
authors.forename: Barbara L F
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Kaplan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002186:Cannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1