Effects of cannabidiol on the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages

Abstract Background: Innate immune myeloid cells, such as macrophages, contribute to chronic inflammation when consistently activated. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), an active non-psychoactive constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant (i.e., Marijuana), has sparked interest a safe and effective anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory agent. This study aimed investigate CBD’s effects on differentiation human macrophages their cell surface receptors. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from healthy donors. Monocytes, isolated peripheral mononuclear were differentiated with macrophage colony stimulating factor into monocyte-derived (MDM) without CBD (5 μM). Differentiated MDMs then stained for different markers analyzed by multicolor flow-cytometry. Proportions (M2: CD206, CD71, CD163) pro-inflammatory (M1: CD86, MDMs, expression lineage (CD14, CD16), chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) endocannabinoid type 2 (CB2) determined. Results: promoted shift towards greater proportion M2-type vs. M1-type (p<0.05, Fisher’s exact test). Cells displayed significantly reduced CD14, CD163, CCR5 CB2 Student t-test). Conclusions: appears promote phenotypes. Further studies are ongoing determine mechanistic pathways implicated in these processes, findings may have implications use various disease conditions.