The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of cellular immune responses in the skin

Applicant Professor Dr. Thomas Tüting
Subject Area Biological Psychiatry
Term from 2008 to 2016
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 42860621
 

Final Report

Final Report Year 2017

Final Report Abstract

G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous lipid ligands (endocannabinoids) and the enzymatic machinery involved in their synthesis and degradation constitute the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). Using pharmacological and genetic approaches to block CB receptor signaling, we demonstrated that the ECS attenuates allergic inflammation in experimental models for contact allergy and atopic dermatitis. In particular, our observations reveal a previously unrecognized physiological role of CB1 receptors on keratinocytes for the maintenance of epidermal integrity and permeability barrier functions by endocannabinoids which contributes to the protection against contact allergic inflammation. These findings could open up new strategies for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases with the help of antiinflammatory lipids, including cannabinoids.

Publications

DFG Programme Research Units
Subproject of FOR 926:  Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Endocannabinoid System