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Cannabidiol negatively modulates adenosine A2A receptor functioning in living cells
Nuria Sánchez-Fernández1,2, Laura Gómez-Acero1,2, Laura I Sarasola1,2
1Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
Objectives:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid with great potential in clinical applications. The mechanism(s) of action of CBD require further investigation. Previous studies suggested that adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) could play a role in CBD-induced effects. Here, we evaluated the ability of CBD to modify the function of A2AR.
Methods:
We used HEK-293T cells transfected with the cDNA encoding the human A2AR and Gαs protein, both modified to perform bioluminescence-based assays. We first assessed the effect of CBD on A2AR ligand binding using an A2AR NanoLuciferase sensor. Next, we evaluated whether CBD modified A2AR coupling to mini-Gαs proteins using the NanoBiT™ assay. Finally, we further assessed CBD effects on A2AR intrinsic activity by recording agonist-induced cAMP accumulation.
Results:
CBD did not bind orthosterically to A2AR but reduced the coupling of A2AR to Gαs protein and the subsequent generation of cAMP.
Conclusion:
CBD negatively modulates A2AR functioning.
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