(R,S,R)-2-Acetyl-4-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)-imidazole (THI) inhibits sphinogosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase for treatment of autoimmune disorders. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase catalyzes the irreversible decomposition of S1P to hexadecanaldehyde and phosphoethanolamine. Reducing S1P lyase activity results in therapeutic levels of immunosuppression without the non-lymphoid lesions that result from synthetic S1P receptor agonists. 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole (THI) is known to induce peripheral blood lymphopenia in rats. Studies in rats have also reported that THI can affect lymphocyte migration and degradation.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.