Cannabidiol attenuates delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions via suppressing T-cell and macrophage reactivity

Der Zen Liu, Chieh Min Hu, Chung Hsiung Huang, Shiaw Pyng Wey, Tong Rong Jan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects cannabidiol (CBD) on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and antigen-induced T-cell cytokine expression. Methods: DTH was induced by subcutaneous ovalbumin (OVA) challenge to the footpads of mice sensitized with OVA. Inflammatory reactions were measured by footpad swelling and histological analysis. Antigen-induced cytokine expression by OVA-primed splenocytes was measured using ELISA and RT-PCR. Results: CBD (1-10 mg/kg) administration, in a dose-dependent fashion, significantly attenuated inflammatory reactions associated with DTH in the footpads of mice sensitized and challenged with OVA. Histological examination revealed that CBD suppressed the infiltration of T cells and macrophages, and the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, two pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in DTH in the inflammatory site. In contrast, the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 in the footpads was enhanced by CBD administration. In addition, CBD at concentrations devoid of cytotoxic effects (1-4 μmol/L) attenuated OVA-induced IFN-γ production by OVA-primed splenocytes, whereas IL-4 was unaffected. Conclusion: CBD curbs DTH reactions via suppressing the infiltration and functional activity of T cells and macrophages in the inflammatory site, suggesting a therapeutic potential for CBD for the treatment of type IV hypersensitivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1611-1617
Number of pages7
JournalActa Pharmacologica Sinica
Volume31
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • cannabidiol
  • cytokine
  • delayed-type hypersensitivity
  • inteferon-γ
  • interleukin-10
  • interleukin-4
  • macrophage
  • T cell
  • tumor necrosis factor-α

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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