Synthetic S1P1R agonists have therapeutic potential in autoimmune disorders.
They induce transient S1P1R signaling and intracellular receptor accumulation.
Natural S1P induces sustained S1P1R signaling which requires receptor recycling.
This physiological receptor recycling requires S1P degradation by S1P lyase.
Synthetic S1P1R agonists are S1P lyase resistant and thus functional antagonists.