Lymphocytes migrate from the blood into most secondary lymphoid organs and chronically inflamed tissues through high endothelial venules (HEV). HEV endothelial cells (HEVECs) incorporate large amounts of sulfate into sialomucin-type counter-receptors for the lymphocyte-homing receptor L-selectin. Sulfate uptake into HEVECs is mediated by two functionally-distinct classes of sulfate transporters: Na+-coupled transporters and sulfate/anion exchangers. Sodium-independent sulfate anion transporter SLC26A11 is targeted to the cell membrane and displays Na+-independent sulfate transport activity. SLC26A11 is expressed in kidney, brain and placenta and at lower levels in other tissues (Vincourt et al. 2003).