Allergies Article

The Role of Cannabinoids in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2020

Source: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Link: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32526734/

Article Abstract:
The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signalling network involved in many key physiological processes. The ECS includes the cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid ligands, and the enzymes related to their synthesis and degradation. Other cannabinoids encompass the phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L.(marijuana) and the synthetic cannabinoids. Alterations in the ECS are associated with different diseases, including inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders such as allergy. Allergy is a global health problem of increasing prevalence with high socio-economic impact. Different studies have convincingly demonstrated that cannabinoids play a role in allergy, but their actual contribution is still controversial. It has been shown that cannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory properties in the airways and the skin of allergic patients. Other studies reported that cannabinoids might exacerbate asthma and atopic dermatitis mainly depending on CB2-mediated signalling pathways. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mode of action of specific cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors on relevant immune cells under different biological contexts might well contribute to the design of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. Future research in this promising emerging field in the context of allergy is warranted for the upcoming years.

Article Summary:
The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network involved in regulating various physiological processes through cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and their associated enzymes. Cannabinoids, including those from Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and synthetic sources, have been linked to various diseases, including allergic conditions. Allergies, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide, encompass disorders such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. They pose significant socio-economic challenges due to their impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.  Cannabinoids have shown potential in modulating immune responses, including anti-inflammatory effects in allergic conditions. However, their role in allergy is controversial, with some studies indicating that cannabinoids might exacerbate conditions like asthma and atopic dermatitis, particularly through CB2 receptor pathways. The ECS’s ability to influence inflammatory responses suggests cannabinoids could offer new therapeutic avenues for allergy treatment. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which cannabinoids affect allergic responses and to explore their therapeutic potential more comprehensively. This review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on the ECS’s role in allergy and the prospects for cannabinoid-based therapies.