Modulation of the activity of transforming growth factor beta

Abstract

The recent patent literature on the modulation of the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is reviewed and placed in context of the properties and biological activities of the TGF-β isoforms. The role of TGF-β in acceleration of wound healing and its role in the development of fibrotic disease makes it an attractive target for both agonists and antagonists. Intervention has been proposed both directly, by binding to the TGF-β molecule itself, and indirectly, by modulating both its synthesis and signalling pathways. Most proof-of-principle studies and patent applications on therapeutic intervention have used antibodies to TGF-β or naturally occurring TGF-β binding molecules. However, there have been several applications on the use of small molecules to intervene at other points in the TGF-β signalling pathway.

• fibrosis
• transforming growth factor-beta
• wound healing