Sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling system and the innovative mechanism of action of fingolimod in treatment of multiple sclerosis: review of foreign literature

Over the last years, sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling function (S1P) is thought to play a key role in the development of immunological and neurological components of multiple sclerosis (MS). Modulators of the S1P-system are highly effective in MS treatment. Fingolimod, a structural analogue of endogenous sphingosine, is a first generation drug of a new class of medications known as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. The inhibition of S1P receptors by fingolimod in MS reduces the recirculation of autoreactive central memory T-cells and their infiltration of the CNS where they cause a damage that clinically reveals in the decrease in the number of MS exacerbations and less severe inflammatory brain changes in MRI.