New Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 agonists and applications to understanding the endocannabinoid system: A chemical approach

Abstract

The modulation of the endocannabinoid system by synthetic ligands has allowed mediating several pathophysiological processes in the control of various diseases. The work of many chemists in designing drugs that activate cannabinoid receptors type I (CB1R) and type II (CB2R) has allowed exploring the structural requirements of new ligands to improve affinity and selectivity at both receptors. However, the functionality of these receptors remains poorly understood, and the efforts of medicinal chemists over the last 20 years have allowed the study and creation of new molecular templates to diversify the construction of new CB1R and CB2R agonists with potential therapeutic action. From the classical agonists derived from tetrahydrocannabinol and the agonist WIN-55,212-2, new compounds that modulate the signaling pathway of these receptors have been developed, and this review focuses on an analysis of various cannabinoid receptor agonists. A chemical description of the structural requirements that allowed new molecules with higher affinity and selectivity for these systems is provided.