FTY720P is the bioactive form of the novel immunosuppressive drug fingolimod (FTY720). FTY720 is converted to FTY720P by sphingosine kinase and the (S)-isomer acts as an agonist to four S1P receptors (S1P1,3,4,5) with IC50s of 2.1, 5.9, 23 and 2.2 nM respectively. The R isomer binds with 5-10 fold lower affinity. FTY720P improves the survival of neonatal rat oligodendrocytes, regulates oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiation, promotes astrocyte migration via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Recently published results indicate involvement of FTY720P in complete viral clearance of persistent infection caused by clone 13 of lymphotic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).
