The cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist, HU308, reduces cytokine secretion in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Introduction Inflammatory mediators produced by macrophages play a key role in the immune response to sepsis. Agonism of the cannabinoid receptor two represents a promising anti-inflammatory strategy that can modulate macrophage activation in this context. In this article, we highlight the use of the synthetic cannabinoid HU-308 as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent in an in vitro model of macrophage inflammation. Methods To this end, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and their production of inflammatory mediators was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays. Further, we evaluated macrophage viability with HU-308 treatment and confirmed the expression of the cannabinoid receptor 2. Results We identified a dose-related reduction in the secretion of IL-6, TNF, and CXCL8. Conclusion HU-308 is a promising candidate for reducing inflammation secondary to macrophage activation, indicating the value of additional research on this topic.