The CB(2) receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation

The CB(2) receptor is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids. It is mainly expressed in immune tissues, highlighting the possibility that the endocannabinoid system has an immunomodulatory role. In this respect, the CB(2) receptor was shown to modulate immune cell functions, both in cellulo and in animal models of inflammatory diseases. In this regard, numerous studies have reported that mice lacking the CB(2) receptor have an exacerbated inflammatory phenotype. This suggests that therapeutic strategies aiming at modulating CB(2) signaling could be promising for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we review the pharmacology of the CB(2) receptor, its expression pattern, and the signaling pathways induced by its activation. We next examine the regulation of immune cell functions by the CB(2) receptor and the evidence obtained from primary human cells, immortalized cell lines, and animal models of inflammation. Finally, we discuss the possible therapies targeting the CB(2) receptor and the questions that remain to be addressed to determine whether this receptor could be a potential target to treat inflammatory disease.