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MDPI, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 1(22), p. 19, 2020

DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010019

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CB2 Receptor in Microglia: The Guardian of Self-Control

Journal article published in 2020 by Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller ORCID, Anne-Caroline Schmöle ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Microglia are key to maintaining the homeostasis of the brain. These immune cells of the brain can be our biggest ally in fighting infections, but can worsen pathology or hinder recovery when uncontrolled. Thus, understanding how microglia contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and how their activity can be controlled is of great importance. It is known that activation of endocannabinoid system, and especially the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), decreases inflammation. Alongside its non-psychoactive effect, it makes the CB2R receptor a perfect target for treating diseases accompanied by neuroinflammation including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanisms by which CB2R regulates microglial activity are not yet understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on the roles of microglial CB2R from in vitro and in vivo studies. We look into CB2R function under physiological and pathological conditions and focus on four different disease models representing chronic and acute inflammation. We highlight open questions and controversies and provide an update on the latest discoveries that were enabled by the development of novel technologies. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the role of microglia CB2R in cognition and its role in neuron–microglia communication.