Oxysterols direct immune cell migration via EBI2.

The EBI2 receptor (EpsteinBarr virus-induced gene 2, also known as GPR183) was recently shown to be linked to autoimmune disease, and is a critical regulator of the humoral immune response. It is a G-protein-coupled receptor, and its natural ligand has been unknown. Two groups now bring an end to the 'orphan' status of this receptor with identification of specific oxysterols as its natural ligands. The most potent ligand and activator is 7a,25-dihydroxycholesterol, and the EBI2oxysterol signalling pathway has an important role in the adaptive immune response.