Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)

The **cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)** is a G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed on immune and peripheral tissues (such as spleen, tonsils, and immune cells including macrophages, microglia, and T cells)[4]. Unlike the CB1 receptor, which is abundant in the central nervous system and mediates psychotropic effects, CB2 is linked to immune modulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and pain regulation[1][2][3][4]. **Beta-caryophyllene (BCP)** is a natural sesquiterpene that acts as a selective full agonist at CB2[1][2][3]. Activation of CB2 by BCP and other agonists inhibits adenylate cyclase, reduces cAMP levels, causes intracellular calcium release, and modulates mitogen-activated kinases like ERK1/2 and p38[3]. CB2 receptor activation is a proposed therapeutic target for conditions including **inflammation, neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and addiction**[2][4][5]. **Clarification:** - The query "Beta-caryophyllene binding CB2 cannabinoid receptor" conflates a specific ligand (beta-caryophyllene) with its target (CB2 receptor). - The canonical target is the **cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)**; beta-caryophyllene is a selective agonist ligand, not the target itself[3][4]. - *is_incorrect* is set to **true** because the target should be referred to as "Cannabinoid receptor type 2" (CB2), not "Beta-caryophyllene binding CB2 cannabinoid receptor".

Other names

CB2 receptorCNR2Cannabinoid receptor 2Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)

Agonism (activation of CB2 by ligands such as BCP), inhibition of adenylate cyclase, modulation of MAPK/ERK pathway, inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release