THC and CBD both inhibit B-cell activation in mice, but they do so through distinct metabolic mechanisms, and their effects differ between young and aged animals.
Immunology researchers, cannabis scientists, healthcare providers advising older patients about cannabis, and anyone interested in cannabinoid immune effects.
What the researchers found
Both cannabinoids reduced B-cell activation dose-dependently, but THC selectively reduced certain amino acids while CBD increased citrulline and allantoin. Effects differed between young and aged mice, suggesting age-related endocannabinoid system changes affect cannabinoid sensitivity.
Why it matters
Understanding how cannabinoids affect the immune system differently — and how this changes with age — is critical for evaluating both therapeutic applications and risks, especially as cannabis use increases among older adults.
The numbers in context
Dose-dependent inhibition by both THC and CBD. Both reduced glucose-6-phosphate and pentose phosphate pathway metabolites. THC uniquely reduced specific amino acids. CBD uniquely increased citrulline and allantoin.
How the study worked
In vitro study comparing THC and CBD effects on LPS/IL-4-activated murine B lymphocytes from young and aged mice, measuring phenotype, proliferation, antibody secretion, TNF-alpha, ERK phosphorylation, and cellular metabolomics.
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro study using mouse cells — human immune responses may differ. LPS/IL-4 activation is a simplified model. Metabolomic changes may not translate to functional immune outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Novel metabolomic comparison revealing mechanism-level differences, but in vitro mouse cell study with limited direct clinical applicability.
When this study was published
Recent study providing the first metabolomic comparison of THC vs. CBD effects on immune cells across age groups.
The bigger picture
Cannabis immunology is complex and age-dependent. As cannabis use grows among older adults for pain and other conditions, understanding age-specific immune effects becomes increasingly important for informed medical guidance.
Questions still open
- Should cannabis dosing recommendations differ by age based on immune effects? Could CBD's distinct metabolic profile make it safer for immunocompromised individuals than THC?
Common questions
Do THC and CBD affect the immune system the same way?
Does age change how cannabinoids affect immunity?
Read the original research
Differential metabolic pathways underlie THC- and CBD-mediated inhibition of B-cell activation in both young and aged mice.
Frontiers in immunology, 16, 1605474
Citation
Yekhtin, Zhanna; Petukhov, Dmytro; Khuja, Iman; Kogan, Natalya M; Or, Reuven; Almogi-Hazan, Osnat. (2025). Differential metabolic pathways underlie THC- and CBD-mediated inhibition of B-cell activation in both young and aged mice.. Frontiers in immunology, 16, 1605474. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1605474
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