Targeting S1P in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Avenues for Modulating Intestinal Leukocyte Migration

Sphingosine 1 phosphate S1P is a bioactive lipid mediator involved in the regulation of several cellular processes though the activation of a G protein-coupled receptor family known as the S1P receptors S1PRs. Advances in the understanding of the biological activities mediated by S1PRs have sparked great interest in the S1P/S1PRs axes as new therapeutic targets for the modulation of several cellular processes. In particular, the S1P/S1PR1 axis has been identified as key regulator for lymphocyte migration from lymph nodes. The blockade of this axis is emerging as a new therapeutic approach to control the aberrant leukocyte migration into the mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease IBD. This review briefly summarises the current evidence coming from clinical studies, and discusses the future prospects of S1P inhibitors for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.