1. ¹Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
2. ²Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Correspondence: Dr N Stella, Department of Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98115-7280, USA. E-mail: nstella@u.washington.edu

Received 29 June 2007; Revised 28 August 2007; Accepted 1 October 2007; Published online 5 November 2007.

Abstract

Though many studies have examined the role of CB₂ receptors in immune cell migration, it has been difficult to form definitive conclusions about the physiopathological role of these receptors in regulating immune responses and how this might be pharmacologically targeted for therapy. Do cannabinoids promote inflammation through the recruitment of immune cells, or reduce inflammation by interfering with the action of other chemoattractants? Is therapeutic intervention with an agonist or antagonist more appropriate for the reduction of inflammation? In this review, we will summarize the progress that has been made in answering these questions and outline current hypotheses.