TGFβ, cardiac fibroblasts, and the fibrotic response

The cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a major contributor to fibrogenic responses both in vitro and in vivo. TGF beta possesses many functions; thus, broadly targeting TGF beta signaling as an anti-fibrotic approach is anticipated to be problematic. Recent experiments, however, have begun to elucidate the signaling pathways through which TGF beta activates a fibrotic program. This review critically evaluates the evidence supporting TGF beta as a pro-fibrotic cytokine, with special attention to cardiac fibrosis, and suggests several possible points for selective drug intervention to combat chronic fibrotic disease. (c) 2006 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.