CB2 receptor in the CNS: From immune and neuronal modulation to behavior

Despite low levels of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) expression in the central nervous system in human and rodents, a growing body of evidence shows CB2R involvement in many processes at the behavioral level, through both immune and neuronal modulations. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence have highlighted the complex role of CB2R under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Under neuroinflammatory states, its activation seems to protect the brain and its functions, making it a promising target in a wide range of neurological disorders. Here, we provide a complete and updated overview of CB2R function in the central nervous system of rodents, spanning from modulation of immune function in microglia but also in other cell types, to behavior and neuronal activity, in both physiological and neuroinflammatory contexts.

Automated summary

Despite low levels of CB2R expression in the central nervous system, it plays a complex role in immune and neuronal modulation at the behavioral level. Recent evidence shows its potential as a promising target in neurological disorders by protecting the brain and its functions under neuroinflammatory conditions. This article provides an updated overview of CB2R function in rodents, including modulation of immune function, behavior, and neuronal activity in physiological and neuroinflammatory contexts.