Sphingosine-1-phosphate and the regulation of immune cell trafficking

Abstract

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is an extracellular sphingolipid signaling molecule that acts through a family of G-protein coupled receptors. The signaling pathways stimulated by S1P receptors profoundly affect the activities of lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Pharmacological and genetic experiments have clearly established the SIP-SIP receptor system as a dominant regulatory axis for the trafficking of lymphocytes. Manipulating this regulatory axis might lead to the development of therapies that target immune system dysfunctions. © Springer-Verlag Tokyo 2006. All rights reserved.