FTY720: A Most Promising Immunosuppressant Modulating Immune Cell Functions

Zhiren Zhang; Hermann J. Schluesener

doi:10.2174/138955707781387948

Abstract

FTY720, the pharmacological analog of S1P, acts as an agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors, resulting in the inhibition of lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid tissues and thymocytes from the thymus, peripheral lymphopenia and interfering with normal functions of several other cell types. FTY720 has been clinically tried for transplantation and multiple sclerosis, showing promising protective effects. This review will summarize potential applications and effects of FTY720.

Keywords: FTY720, lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, transplantation, autoimmune diseases, tumors