The immune suppressive function of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in human diseases

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) functions as an immune suppressor by influencing immune cells’ development, differentiation, tolerance induction and homeostasis. In human diseases, TGF-β has been revealed as an essential regulator of both innate and adaptive functions in autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in cancer by inhibiting immunosurveillance in the tumor-bearing host. A variety of TGF-β neutralizing anti-cancer therapies have been investigated based on the role of TGF-β in immunosuppression. New studies are focusing on combining TGF-β blockade with tumor vaccinations and immunogene therapies.

• Autoimmune diseases
• cancer
• immune suppression
• TGF-β

Acknowledgements

We thank Fiona James for her proof reading and editing comments.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and written expression of this article.