“Our aim was to evaluate the roles of the cannabinoid pathway in the induction and propagation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a mouse model…
Experiments performed in CB2-deficient mice confirmed the influence of CB2 in the development of systemic fibrosis and autoimmunity. Therefore, we demonstrate that the CB2 receptor is a potential target for the treatment of SSc because it controls both skin fibroblast proliferation and the autoimmune reaction.
In this report, we demonstrate for the first time the highly protective role of cannabinoid agonists in SSc. Because these agonists are available and well-tolerated under clinical conditions, our data offer a new therapeutic opportunity in this life-threatening disease.
In conclusion, modulation of the endocannabinoid system is a novel approach for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.”