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Effects of cannabinoids and their receptors on viral infections

Alireza Tahamtan1, Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki2, Tomasz P Rygiel3

  • 1Departmentof Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Journal of Medical Virology
|June 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cannabinoids, active compounds in marijuana, show varied effects on viral infections. While targeting cannabinoid receptors may offer new treatments, careful consideration is needed for patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cannabinoids, derived from marijuana, are known to impact tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Existing research indicates that cannabinoids and their receptors influence the immune system, viral pathogenesis, and replication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of the role of cannabinoids and their receptors in viral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vivo and in vitro studies.

Main Results:

  • Cannabinoids and their receptors exhibit diverse outcomes in viral infections.
  • Evidence suggests varied impacts on viral pathogenesis and replication.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting cannabinoid receptors presents potential for developing safe and effective antiviral treatments.
  • Clinical application of pharmaceutical cannabinoids for viral infections requires caution due to potential differential effects.
Keywords:
anti-inflammationcannabinoid receptorsimmunomodulationmarijuanaviral infections

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