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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues
Published on: May 8, 2016
Targeting the CB2 receptor for immune modulation
Charles A Lunn1, Eva-Pia Reich, Loretta Bober
1Schering-Plough Research Institute, Department of New Lead Discovery, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA. charles.lunn@spcorp.com
Cannabis sativa compounds, particularly those targeting the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, show potential for immune regulation. This research explores their role in immune cell recruitment and modulating immune diseases like autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cannabis sativa components have demonstrated immunoregulatory potential.
- The discovery of a peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB2) on immune cells prompted research into non-psychoactive cannabinoid agonists for therapeutic applications.
- Understanding the specific role of CB2 receptor in immune function is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune regulation.
- To emphasize compounds that regulate immune cell recruitment via the CB2 receptor.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of CB2 receptor-specific modulation in immune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Cannabis sativa components and immune regulation.
- Focus on studies investigating cannabinoid compounds targeting the CB2 receptor.
- Utilizing an immune cell recruitment model to analyze CB2 receptor-specific effects.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoid CB2 receptor plays a significant role in immune cell recruitment.
- CB2 receptor-specific compounds can modulate immune responses.
- Evidence suggests a role for CB2 receptor in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and bone density regulation.
Conclusions:
- The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is a key target for modulating immune cell recruitment and immune diseases.
- CB2 receptor-specific agonists offer a promising therapeutic avenue for conditions like autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
- Further research into CB2 receptor modulation may impact treatments for immune-related disorders and bone density issues.
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