Effects of cannabidiol on immune system

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2024, 60(4), 19-25.

Kalapova, E. Vikentieva

Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Military Medical Academy – Sofia

Abstract. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-psychotropic and the second most abundant phy-tocannabinoid extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant with a marked immunomodula-tory capacity. Its effects on the immune system include direct suppression of activation of various immune cell types, inhibition of tissue migration and production of cytokines and chemokines, induction of apoptosis, promotion of regulatory cells. A key point in understanding the mechanisms by which cannabinoids exert their effects is the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its two receptors – CB1 and CB2. CB1 is mainly expressed in the brain, whereas CB2 has a greater expression in immune system structures with the highest expression levels in the lymph nodes and spleen, followed by peripheral blood cells with established variations among the different cell populations: B-cells, NK-cells, monocytes, neutrophils, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells. Dysregulation in the endocannabinoid system, due to disturbances in the concentra-tion of endocannabinoids and/or the expression and function of cannabinoid receptors, has been associated with several pathological conditions. Immune cells can synthesize endocannabinoids and can be influenced by cannabinoid analogues. This justified research and development of cannabinoid-based target therapies, necessitating the promotion of knowledge about their effects on the immune system.

Key words: cannabidiol, endocannabinoid system, CB1, CB2, immune system, cannabinoid-based products

Address for correspondence: Iva Kalаpova, MD, e-mail: ivakalapova1995@gmail.com