Anti-inflammatory Effects of Novel Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes on Cellular and Murine Models of HIV and HIV Proteins

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Summary Approximately 50% of HIV-infected patients suffer from intractable pain and many individuals self-report the consumption of cannabis for alleviating their symptoms. However, data are still limited on the effects of cannabis in the HIV-infected, cART-treated population. The compound most studied is Δ9-THC, which exerts psychoactive and addictive effects that limit therapeutic potential. Yet, there are over 120 minor cannabinoids and 200 terpenes in cannabis and our renowned Marijuana Research Laboratory has found many of them hold non-psychoactive, therapeutic effects. We identified cannabis constituents that reduce HIV-mediated inflammation/astrogliosis in cell culture and HIV-protein mediated visceral pain in mice. We hypothesize that several minor cannabinoids and terpenes will complement cART to ameliorate viremia, inflammation, and cytotoxicity caused by infectious HIV- 1. Moreover, we anticipate several of these compounds to ameliorate the inflammatory, mechanical, visceral, and neuropathic pain states promoted by cART or HIV-1 proteins. Aim 1 will determine the important cannabis constituents and targets that modulate HIV-mediated viremia and inflammation in vitro. Utilizing our extensive library of cannabinoids, terpenes, and volatile oils, we will screen a high-cannabidiol (CBD) mixture and 44 pure minor cannabinoids and terpenes against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or microglia that are mock- infected or infected with HIV-1IIIB or HIV-1BaL. Viremia, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity will be assessed and the pharmacodynamic mechanisms will be subsequently examined using antagonists to CB1, CB2, and GPR55. Aim 2 will determine the in vivo anti-nociceptive and analgesic effects of minor cannabinoids and terpenes in rodent models of HIV-1 protein/cART-related inflammatory, thermal, visceral, and neuropathic pain. Dose- dependent anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-nociceptive effects of cannabichromene, 10β-hydroxy- 8-tetrahydrocannabinol, and β–caryophyllene will be the pure compounds of focus, along with High-CBD extract (and other anti-inflammatory leads identified in Aim 1). These constituents will be assessed in male and female transgenic mice that express (or do not express) the HIV-1 Tat or gp120 proteins. Mice will be maintained on cART to assess potential improvements or interactions with cannabinoid-related outcomes. Aim 3 will determine the important central and enteric nervous system inflammatory mechanisms that are influenced by cannabinoids and terpenes following HIV-1 protein/cART exposure. Pain-related brain regions, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, ileum, edema, and plasma collected in Aim 2 will be assessed for cytokine production. Brain and ileum will be assessed for CB1 or CB2 G-protein activity via [35S]GTPγS assay as well as neuron morphology and monocyte-derived cell and astrogliosis. TThese studies will provide insight into the mechanisms by which minor cannabinoids and terpenes act, will reveal the anti-viremic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive potential of non-psychoactive cannabis constituents, and will elucidate therapeutics for HIV-related and non-HIV-related, intractable pain states.