Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential of sphingosine‑1‑phosphate in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (Review)

Pulmonary fibrosis represents a group of chronic, progressive lung disorders arising from diverse etiological factors. Its defining pathological feature is the excessive deposition of collagen, which ultimately results in irreversible distortion of the lung parenchyma. Current therapeutic strategies can slow disease progression but are insufficient to halt it completely. Sphingosine‑1‑phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite that binds to sphingosine‑1‑phosphate receptors (S1PRs) to regulate numerous vital intracellular metabolic pathways associated with cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis. The present reviewsummarizedthe molecular network through which S1P contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, outlines existing pharmacological modulators of the S1P pathway anddiscussedtheir potential therapeutic value in treating this condition.