title: Evaluation of the lymphocyte trafficking drug FTY720 in vaginal tissues.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  FTY720 is an immunomodulatory agent that reduces lymphocytes in peripheral tissues and circulation. Such agents may be effective as vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention. Systemic or vaginal application of FTY720 may reduce lymphocyte concentrations in genital tissues, reducing HIV target cell numbers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five female pigtail macaques received topical vaginal gel FTY720 (n = 2), intravenous (i.v.) FTY720 (n = 2), or placebo gel (n = 1) in this pilot study. Circulating and mucosal lymphocytes and genital mucosa, cytokines, and tissue histology were analyzed to document topical and i.v. FTY720 effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Topical and i.v. FTY720 appeared to decrease the levels of cervicovaginal IL-8, IL-1ra, and genital inflammatory cells. Small sample size precluded statistical analysis. Topical administration had no overt adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study introduces FTY720 as an immunomodulatory agent for the vaginal mucosa, compares topical effects to those of i.v. administration, and provides the basis for future studies involving FTY720 for HIV prevention.
authors: Division of Scientific Resources, NCEZID, CDC, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
authors: Ai
authors: A
authors: Tsuiki
authors: Wei
authors: W
authors: Luo
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Henning
authors: Sundaram
authors: S
authors: Vishwanathan
authors: Chuong
authors: C
authors: Dinh
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Adams
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Sweeney
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Mitchell
authors: Shannon
authors: S
authors: Bachman
authors: Prachi
authors: P
authors: Sharma
authors: Nathaniel
authors: N
authors: Powell
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Hendry
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: McNicholl
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Kersh
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005260:Female; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000032:analysis; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D016209:Interleukin-8; D010919:Placebos; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D013110:Sphingosine