Transforming growth factor β enhances the expression of CD154 (CD40L) and production of tumor necrosis factor α by human T lymphocytes

Activation of lymphocytes in the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) can impair or enhance their functional activity. We have found that TGF beta is important in the generation of lymphocytes, which are capable of suppressing antibody production. To better understand how this cytokine affects lymphocyte activity, we looked at the expression of early activation events of T cells stimulated in the presence or absence of TGF beta. The results show that TGF beta enhances the expression of CD154 (CD40L), TNFR2 and the production of TNF alpha,. These findings clarify the co-stimulatory effects of TGF beta that enhance T lymphocyte activation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.