CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist, JWH-015, triggers apoptosis in immune cells: potential role for CB2-selective ligands as immunosuppressive agents

Clin Immunol. 2007 Mar;122(3):259-70. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2006.11.002. Epub 2006 Dec 20.

Abstract

Cannabinoids are known to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed in the nervous and immune system, respectively, and mediate a wide range of effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. However, cannabinoids that bind CB1 are also psychoactive thereby limiting their clinical use. In this study, we investigated the immunosuppressive properties of JWH-015, a synthetic CB2-selective agonist. We found that JWH-015 triggered apoptosis in thymocytes in vitro and inhibited the proliferative response of T and B cells to mitogens through induction of apoptosis. JWH-015 induced cross-talk between extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis involving caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 as well as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, administration of JWH-015 in vivo caused thymic atrophy, apoptosis, and decreased peripheral T cell response to mitogens. Together, this study suggests that CB2-selective agonists, devoid of psychotropic effect, may serve as novel anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Atrophy
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Growth Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mitogens / pharmacology
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / agonists*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism*
  • Spleen / cytology*
  • Spleen / drug effects*
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Thymus Gland / drug effects
  • Thymus Gland / pathology

Substances

  • Growth Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Indoles
  • Ligands
  • Mitogens
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • JHW 015