CB2 receptor
Main function
CB2 helps control how strongly the immune system responds to injury, infection and inflammation. It is found mainly on immune cells and becomes particularly important when tissues are inflamed. CB2 also contributes to inflammatory pain, intestinal sensitivity and communication between the immune system and nervous system, while producing little to no direct intoxicating effect compared with CB1.
Main body locations
Positive and negative describe interaction direction, not whether an effect is good or bad. Activating a target can have unwanted effects, while reducing or blocking it can sometimes have beneficial effects.
Increased activity
Increased CB2 activity generally reduces excessive inflammatory signalling and inflammatory pain. In the gastrointestinal system it may reduce intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain and excessive gut sensitivity, and can help calm immune responses that have become too strong.
Reduced or blocked activity
Reduced or blocked CB2 activity can weaken the body's normal ability to limit excessive inflammation. This may increase inflammatory signalling, inflammatory pain, intestinal sensitivity and abdominal discomfort during inflammatory conditions.