Study: CB2 Activation May Reduce Lung Injury Caused by COVID-19
- The study from Eastern Virginia Medical School shows that activating the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) may prevent lung damage caused by COVID-19.
- Researchers used an animal model mimicking acute lung injury from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and treated animals with HU308, a CB2 activator, resulting in improved lung function.
- HU308 treatment reduced immune cell buildup, neutrophil activation, and proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs of treated animals.
- CB2 activation dampened inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, STAT3) and restored antioxidant regulator Nrf2, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19 lung injury.
A new study published in the journal Lung by researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University reports that activating the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) may help prevent lung damage caused by COVID-19. Using an animal model designed to mimic acute lung injury tied to the virus’s spike protein, the researchers triggered lung damage by delivering SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit 1 directly into the airways. One hour later, the animals were treated with HU308, a compound that activates CB2, and then received repeat doses every 24 hours.
By 48 hours, HU308-treated mice showed better lung function than untreated animals exposed to the spike protein. The treatment also reduced immune cell buildup in the lungs, lowered neutrophil activation, and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, according to the study.
The team reported that CB2 activation appeared to dampen key inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB and STAT3, while restoring expression of Nrf2, a regulator involved in the body’s antioxidant and stress-response defenses.
Taken together, the findings indicate that CB2 activation helped limit spike protein-driven inflammation and lung injury in this preclinical setting, pointing to a possible therapeutic direction for COVID-19-related acute lung injury.