Role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) in systemic autoimmunity.
Review
Overview
abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF beta) is a multifunctional cytokine with proinflammatory as well as immunosuppressive activities. A regulatory role for TGF beta has been suggested in investigations of several experimental and spontaneous models of pathological autoreactivity. It is suggested that many of the functional effects of TGF beta parallel the major immune system abnormalities seen in SLE.