Inhibitory Effect of Cannabidiol on the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Associated with Its Modulation of the P2X7 Receptor in Human Monocytes

J Nat Prod. 2020 Jun 26;83(6):2025-2029. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00138. Epub 2020 May 6.

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but its mechanism of anti-inflammasome action remains unclear. Herein, we report CBD's effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its modulation of P2X7, an inflammasome activation-related receptor, in human THP-1 monocytes. CBD (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) exerted anti-inflammasome activity in LPS-nigericin-stimulated THP-1 monocytes by reducing media IL-1β concentration (by 63.9%, 64.1%, and 83.1%, respectively), which was similar to the known NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors oridonin and MCC950 (16.9% vs 20.8% and 17.4%, respectively; at 10 μM). CBD (10 μM) decreased nigericin-alone- and nigericin-lipopolysaccharide-induced potassium efflux by 13.7% and 13.0%, respectively, in THP-1 monocytes, strongly suggesting P2X7 receptor modulation. Computational docking data supported the potential for CBD binding to the P2X7 receptor via interaction with GLU 172 and VAL 173 residues. Overall, the observed CBD suppressive effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 monocytes was associated with decreased potassium efflux, as well as in silico prediction of P2X7 receptor binding. CBD inhibitory effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome may contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory effects reported for this phytocannabinoid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Diterpenes, Kaurane / pharmacology
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Indenes / pharmacology
  • Inflammasomes / drug effects*
  • Interleukin-1beta / drug effects
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Monocytes / drug effects*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / drug effects*
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Purinergic P2X Receptor Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 / drug effects*
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Diterpenes, Kaurane
  • Furans
  • IL1B protein, human
  • Indenes
  • Inflammasomes
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • NLRP3 protein, human
  • Purinergic P2X Receptor Agonists
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
  • Sulfonamides
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • oridonin
  • Cannabidiol
  • N-(1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-S-indacen-4-ylcarbamoyl)-4-(2-hydroxy-2-propanyl)-2-furansulfonamide
  • Potassium