As discussed in previous articles the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is an extraordinary complex signaling network that has widespread effects on the body. Many studies have been published studying the effects of various components of the ECS on metabolic health, appetite, obesity, blood sugar regulation, thermoregulation, pain sensation, oxidative stress, thermoregulation, mood, eye health, memory, oxidative stress, and many more. One compelling therapeutic application of the ECS is its effect on the immune system, or what some scientists refer to as “immuno-cannabinoid” modulation. To put it simply, the ECS can help regulate the tone, properties, and overall function of the immune system.
Although the immunomodulatory effects of the ECS have not been fully figured out, here is what’s known. First, certain cannabinoids can reduce inflammatory responses in patients with autoimmune diseases. Cannabidiol is especially potent in this regard. Second, cannabinoids have been shown to play a role in modulating neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. It has been concluded that the immune system plays a crucial role in many of these neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. It’s critical to acknowledge that these immunomodulatory effects are the result of a coordinated cascade of responses from the so-called “innate immune system” as well as the “adaptive immune system.” The immune system is a network of assorted immune cell types that express many different receptors, and release and respond to many cytokines/hormones.
Cell-mediated immunity is one of the fundamental components of the adaptive immune system that responds by utilizing specialized T-cells and natural killer cells to seek out and neutralize pathogens, viral infected cells, and tumor cells that are recognized as foreign. Humoral immunity complements the cell-mediated system by using B-cells and developing antibodies to neutralize antigens or pathogens that are identified as foreign. If there is an imbalance between cell mediated and humoral immunity, it results in disease and dysfunction. For example, multiple sclerosis is an example of an autoimmune disease, in which the cell-mediated immune system is hyper-activated against the individual’s own brain and nervous system—as if it were foreign. The ECS and cannabinoids have been shown to play a fundamental role in “balancing” the various arms and components of the immune system.
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