Biology and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid CB2 receptor inverse agonists

Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;153(2):226-39. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707480. Epub 2007 Oct 1.

Abstract

Evidence has emerged suggesting a role for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in immune cell motility. This provides a rationale for a novel and generalized immunoregulatory role for cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific compounds. In support of this possibility, we will review the biology of a class of cannabinoid CB2 receptor-specific inverse agonist, the triaryl bis-sulfones. We will show that one candidate, Sch.414319, is potent and selective for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, based on profiling studies using biochemical assays for 45 enzymes and 80 G-protein coupled receptors and ion channels. We will describe initial mechanistic studies using this optimized triaryl bis-sulfone, showing that the compound exerts a broad effect on cellular protein phosphorylations in human monocytes. This profile includes the down regulation of a required phosphorylation of the monocyte-specific actin bundling protein L-plastin. We suggest that this observation may provide a mechanism for the observed activity of Sch.414319 in vivo. Our continued analysis of the in vivo efficacy of this compound in diverse disease models shows that Sch.414319 is a potent modulator of immune cell mobility in vivo, can modulate bone damage in antigen-induced mono-articular arthritis in the rat, and is uniquely potent at blocking experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the rat.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Immunity, Cellular / physiology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / agonists*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / genetics
  • Sulfones / chemistry
  • Sulfones / pharmacology

Substances

  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • Sulfones