Cannabinoids affect dendritic cell (DC) potassium channel function and modulate DC T cell stimulatory capacity

PW Wacnik, KM Luhr, RH Hill… - The Journal of …, 2008 - journals.aai.org
PW Wacnik, KM Luhr, RH Hill, HG Ljunggren, K Kristensson, M Svensson
The Journal of Immunology, 2008journals.aai.org
Cannabinoids affect diverse biological processes, including functions of the immune system.
With respect to the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of
cannabinoids have been reported. Cannabinoids stimulate G protein-coupled cannabinoid
receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found primarily on neurons. However, they are
also found on dendritic cells (DC), which are recognized for their critical role in initiating and
maintaining immune responses. Therefore, DC are potential targets for cannabinoids. We …
Abstract
Cannabinoids affect diverse biological processes, including functions of the immune system. With respect to the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of cannabinoids have been reported. Cannabinoids stimulate G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found primarily on neurons. However, they are also found on dendritic cells (DC), which are recognized for their critical role in initiating and maintaining immune responses. Therefore, DC are potential targets for cannabinoids. We report in this study that cannabinoids reduced the DC surface expression of MHC class II molecules as well as their capacity to stimulate T cells. In the nervous system, CB1 receptor signaling modulates K+ and Ca 2+ channels. Interestingly, cannabinoid-treated DC also showed altered voltage-gated potassium (K V) channel function. We speculate that attenuation of K V channel function via CB1 receptor signaling in DC may represent one mechanism by which cannabinoids alter DC function.
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