Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)

The TGF-beta family of cytokines are ubiquitous, multifunctional and essential to survival. They play important roles in growth and development, inflammation and repair and host immunity. The mammalian TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta(1), beta(2) and beta(3)) are secreted as latent precursors and have multiple cell surface receptors of which at least two mediate signal transduction. Autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-beta's can be modified by extracellular matrix, neighbouring cells and other cytokines. The vital role of the TGF-beta family is illustrated by the fact that approximately 50% of TGF-beta(1) gene knockout mice die in utero and the remainder succumb to uncontrolled inflammation after birth. TGF-beta(2) and TGF-beta(3) gene knockout mice are not yet described. More recently, novel TGF-beta-like molecules have been described which share some of the properties of the mammalian TGF-beta isoforms. The role of TGF-beta in homeostatic and pathogenic processes suggests numerous applications in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases characterised by inflammation and fibrosis. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.