The role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in modulating the immune response and fibrogenesis in the gut

Paolo Biancheri, Paolo Giuffrida, Guillermo H Docena, Thomas T MacDonald, Gino Roberto Corazza, Antonio Di Sabatino

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

76 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, a pleiotropic cytokine released by both immune and non-immune cells in the gut, exerts an important tolerogenic action by promoting regulatory T cell differentiation. TGF-β also enhances enterocyte migration and regulates extracellular matrix turnover, thereby playing a crucial role in tissue remodeling in the gut. In this review we describe the mechanisms by which abnormal TGF-β signaling impairs intestinal immune tolerance and tissue repair, thus predisposing to the onset of immune-mediated bowel disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Additionally, we will discuss potential therapeutic strategies aiming at restoring physiologic TGF-β signaling in chronic intestinal diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-55
Number of pages11
JournalCytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
Volume25
Issue number1
Early online date28 Nov 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation/physiology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance/drug effects
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
  • Intestines/immunology
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction/physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta/physiology
  • Wound Healing

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