S1P(1) deletion differentially affects TH17 and Regulatory T cells

Sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 1 (S1P(1)) is critical for the egress of T and B cells out of lymphoid organs. Although S1P(1) agonist fingolimod is currently used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) little is known how S1P(1) signaling regulates Th17 and T(reg) cell homeostasis. To study the impact of S1P(1) signaling on Th17 and T(reg) cell biology, we specifically deleted S1P(1) in Th17 and T(reg) cells using IL-17A (Cre) and Foxp3 (Cre) mice, respectively. Deletion of S1P(1) in Th17 cells conferred resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). On the other hand, permanent deletion of S1P(1) in T(reg) cells resulted in autoimmunity and acute deletion rendered mice more susceptible to EAE. Importantly, our study revealed that S1P(1) not only regulated the egress of T(reg) cells out of lymphoid organs and subsequent non-lymphoid tissue distribution but also their phenotypic diversity. Most of the T(reg) cells found in S1P(1)-deficient mice as well as MS patients on fingolimod therapy had an activated phenotype and were more prone to apoptosis, thus converted to effector T(reg). Our results provide novel insight into the functions of S1P(1) and potential impact of long term fingolimod use on Th17 and T(reg) cell biology and general health in MS patients.