In vitro evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of CBD and THC content of cannabis sativa extracts

Immunomodulation describes a process in which an individual's immune response is enhanced or suppressed. Immunomodulatory agents are classified as immunosuppressants if they inhibit the immune response or as immunostimulants if they stimulate it. These agents are used to treat diseases affecting the immune system, but they often cause numerous side effects that diminish patients' quality of life. Therefore, new immunomodulatory agents and strategies are needed. Many studies have shown that Cannabis sativa phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have strong potential as natural immunomodulators in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, although their exact role in modulating the immune system is still not fully understood. Additionally, many phytocannabinoids have pharmacological effects that remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of C. sativa CBD and THC phytocannabinoids both in vitro and in silico. The immunomodulatory effects of CBD and THC, provided by the Hemp Research Institute of Yozgat Bozok University, were examined on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and leukemic cell lines (THP-1 and U937). The impact of CBD and THC on the expression of cytokine and chemokine-encoding genes in PBMC, THP-1, and U937 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was assessed using qPCR. The findings of this thesis demonstrate that CBD and THC phytocannabinoids from C. sativa exert immunomodulatory effects, which may vary depending on cell type, application conditions, and dose. These results suggest that CBD and THC are potential agents for evaluation in various treatments targeting the immune system. 2025, xiv + 84 pages Keywords: CBD, THC, Phytocannabinoid, Immunomodulator, LPS, PMA, In vitro, In silico.