The involvement of blood cells in the phosphorylation of the selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonist SYL-927

SYL-927 is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P(1)) agonist for autoimmune diseases. It undergoes phosphorylation to the active SYL-927-P in vivo, which activates S1P(1) on lymphocytes, causing lymphopenia by retention of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to identify the involvement of blood cells in the phosphorylation of SYL-927. In addition, pharmacokinetics of SYL-927 and SYL-927-P in blood and plasma were compared in rats. The results demonstrated that SYL-927 can be converted to SYL-927-P in rat blood, but not in rat plasma. However, both rat blood and plasma are capable of dephosphorylating SYL-927-P to SYL-927. SYL-927-P generation and release were observed after incubating SYL-927 with rat and human erythrocytes and platelets. The addition of sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) inhibitors N, N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) and FTY720 significantly inhibited SYL-927-P generation, indicating the involvement of SPHKs. In addition, SYL-927 and SYL-927-P levels in blood were significantly higher than those in plasma after oral administration of SYL-927 in rats, suggesting the blood cells for the production of SYL-927-P. In summary, the blood cells such as erythrocytes and platelets contribute to the generation and release of SYL-927-P, which is important for maintaining plasma active phosphate levels for prolonged effects.