The effect of cannabimimetic agents on the function of immune
cells such as T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and
macrophages has been extensively studied over the past several
decades using human and animal paradigms involving whole animal models as well as tissue culture systems. From this work, it
can be concluded that these drugs have subtle yet complex effects
on immune cell function and that some of the drug activity is
mediated by cannabinoid receptors expressed on the various
immune cell subtypes. However, the overall role of the cannabinoid system of receptors and ligands in human health and disease
is still unclear and requires extensive elucidation. Further studies
will define the precise structure and function of the putative
immunocannabinoid system, the potential therapeutic usefulness
of these drugs in chronic diseases such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome and multiple sclerosis, the effects of these
agents on tumour growth and induction of apoptosis, and the
potential anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory properties of
cannabimimetic compounds. It is likely that the cannabinoid system, along with other neuroimmune systems, has a subtle but significant role in the regulation of immunity and that this role can
eventually be exploited in the management of human disease.
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