CB2 receptor

CB2 receptors are specialized proteins abundantly expressed on the surface of cells that make up the immune system and related structures like the spleen, tonsils, and thymus gland. They differ substantially from CB1 receptors, which predominantly occur in the brain and nervous system mediating psychoactivity. The details remain unclear, but studies show cannabinoids like THC weakly bind to CB2 sites, and this interaction is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and inhibited immune cell signaling. CB2 receptors represent a key part of the endocannabinoid system involved in maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. Ongoing research aims to better elucidate the role of CB2 receptors in modulating inflammation and immune function, as their manipulation shows promise for developing treatments targeting autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, neuropathy, and other conditions involving overactive inflammatory responses. However, significantly more research is still needed to fully understand the complex intracellular signaling cascades connected to CB2 activation and how pharmaceutical medicines or lifestyle interventions may precisely manipulate the CB2 system for therapeutic benefit.