JWH 015 is a selective aminoalkylindole peripheral cannabinoid (CB2) receptor agonist with Ki values of 13.8 and 383 nM for human recombinant CB2 and CB1 receptors, respectively.1 Using Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus as a model for human multiple sclerosis (MS), treatment with WIN 55212-2, ACEA, and JWH 015 significantly improved the neurological deficit of established disease.2 JWH 015 was shown to reduce microglial activation, abrogate antigen expression, and decrease the number of CD4+ infiltrating T-cells in the spinal cord. In addition, JWH 015 reduces IFN-γ-induced up-regulation of CD40 expression in mouse microglial cells by interfering with the JAK/STAT1 pathway.3
1
Pertwee, R.G. Pharmacology of cannabinoid receptor ligands. Curr Med Chem6635-664(1999).
2
Arévalo-Martín Á, Vela, J.M., Molina-Holgado, E., et al. Therapeutic action of cannabinoids in a murine model of multiple sclerosis. J Neurosci23(7)2511-2516(2003).
3
Enrhart, J., Obregon, D., Mori, T., et al. Stimulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) suppresses microglial activation. J Neuroinflammation229-41(2005).