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Modulation and functional involvement of CB2 peripheral cannabinoid receptors during B-cell differentiation
P Carayon1, J Marchand, D Dussossoy
1Immunology Department, Sanofi Recherche, Montpellier, France; and the Immunité et vaccination, INSERM U404, Institut Pasteur de Lyon, Lyon, France. catherine.carayon@tls1.elfsanofi.fr
Blood
|November 10, 1998
Summary
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is highly expressed in B cells and downregulated during their differentiation. CB2 activation enhances B-cell proliferation, indicating its role in immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors include CB1 (brain) and CB2 (immune system).
- CB2 receptor expression in leukocytes, particularly B cells, was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CB2 receptor expression and function in B cells during differentiation.
- To determine the role of CB2 receptors in B-cell proliferation and activation.
Main Methods:
- Immunopurification with anti-CB2 antibodies.
- Dual-color confocal microscopy on tonsillar tissues.
- Analysis of CB2 receptor expression at transcript and protein levels.
- Assay of B-cell proliferation using cannabinoid agonists and antagonists.
Main Results:
- Peripheral blood and tonsillar B cells showed the highest CB2 receptor protein levels.
- CB2 receptor expression decreased during B-cell differentiation, with lowest levels in germinal center centroblasts.
- Cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 enhanced CD40-mediated proliferation of B cells, an effect blocked by CB2 antagonist SR 144528.
- CB2 receptors were upregulated upon CD40-mediated activation of B cells.
Conclusions:
- CB2 receptors are significantly involved in B-cell differentiation.
- CB2 receptor modulation plays a role in regulating B-cell proliferation and immune responses.