Review Article

The Emerging Role of the Cannabinoid Receptor Family in Peripheral and Neuro-immune Interactions

Author(s): Orla Haugh, June Penman, Andrew J. Irving and Veronica A. Campbell

Volume 17, Issue 16, 2016

Page: [1834 - 1840] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666160112113703

Price: $65

Abstract

The classical endogenous cannabinoid (CB) system is composed of the endocannabinoid signalling molecules, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), CB1 and CB2 which together constitutes the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, putative, novel lipid-sensing CB receptors have recently been identified, including the orphan GPR55 and GPR18 receptors that are regulated by cannabinoid-like molecules and interact with CB system. CB receptors and associated orphan GPCRs are expressed at high levels in the immune and/or central nervous systems (CNS) and regulate a number of neurophysiological processes, including key events involved in neuroinflammation. As such, these receptors have been identified as emerging therapeutic targets for a number of brain disorders in which neuroinflammation is a key feature, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review will consider the role of the wider cannabinoid receptor superfamily in mediating immune function with a focus on the immune processes that contribute to neuroinflammatory conditions.

Keywords: Cannabinoid, endocannabinoid, GPR55, GPR18, inflammation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration.

Graphical Abstract

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