摘要:
The present invention relates generally to a method of modulating endothelial cell functional characteristics and to agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of modulating vascular endothelial cell pro-inflammatory and angiogenic phenotypes by modulating the functional levels of intracellular sphingosine kinase. The method of the present invention is useful, inter alia, in relation to the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions which are characterised by inadequate endothelial cell functioning and may include conditions such as vascular engraftment, organ transplantation or wound healing or conditions which are characterised by an aberrant endothelial cell inflammatory or angiogenic phenotype. Further, the method of the present invention facilitates the development of agents, such as functionally manipulated endothelial cell populations, for a range of therapeutic and/or prophylactic uses.