Endocannabinoids Attenuate the Virulence of Certain Enteropathogenic Bacteria

The mammalian endocannabinoid system modulates gastrointestinal physiology and immunity via lipid hormones (endocannabinoids). Ellermann et al. have recently revealed the effect of the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) on intestinal infection. They show that 2-AG directly modulates bacterial function by antagonizing the provirulence receptor QseC, thereby protecting mice against enteric infection. The endocannabinoid system has already been identified as a promising target in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, but these new findings raise questions about the possible benefits of using cannabinoids to treat intestinal bacterial infections.