Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R) as potential target for the pharmacological treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a ubiquitous physiological system that plays a crucial role in maintaining CNS homeostasis and regulating its functions. It includes cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential of the ECS and CBRs, in a wide range of severe diseases and pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's Disease, HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders, neuropathic pain and migraine. Targeting the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) has gained attention due to its ability to (i) mitigate neuroinflammatory responses, (ii) regulate mitochondrial function and (iii) provide trophic support, all without eliciting the psychotropic actions associated with CB1R activation. This review aims to explore the potential of CB2R modulation as a strategy for the prevention and treatment of neurologic disorders, exploring both preclinical and clinical findings.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Cannabinoid receptor 2; Huntington’s Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; NeuroHIV; Parkinson’s disease.