title: Selectivity and specificity of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor ligands: "off-targets" or complex pharmacology?
abstract: A recent perspective published in Frontiers of Pharmacology by Salomone and Waeber (2011) discussed the selectivity and specificity of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor ligands. This perspective surveyed the use of various S1P receptor ligands and attempted to reconcile a number of inconsistencies in the predicted biological outcomes: these were interpreted as "off-target" effects. Therefore the perspective cautioned against the use of these S1P receptor ligands. Here we highlight the complex pharmacology of S1P receptors, which along with "inside-out" signaling might provide an alternative explanation for "off-target" effects.
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology Group, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Nigel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Pyne
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pyne