Abstract
TGF-β is a cytokine required for the induction and maintenance of transplantation tolerance in animal models. TGF-β mediates anti-inflammatory effects by acting on many immune cell-types. Central for transplantation tolerance is the role for TGF-β in the induction of Foxp3 and regulatory capacity in CD4(+) T cells. Recently, however, the general anti-inflammatory role of TGF-β in CD4(+) T cell polarization was questioned by the discovery that, in the presence of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 or IL-1, TGF-β drives the differentiation of Th17 cells associated with transplant rejection. A better understanding of the factors determining TGF-β production and activation, Foxp3 induction and Treg stability is vital for the development of tolerogenic strategies in transplantation.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Adaptive Immunity*
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Animals
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Antigens, CD / immunology
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
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Graft Rejection / immunology
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Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
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Humans
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Interleukin-1 / immunology
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Interleukin-6 / immunology
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Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
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Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Organ Transplantation*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
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Th17 Cells / cytology
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Th17 Cells / immunology*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta* / deficiency
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Transforming Growth Factor beta* / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta* / immunology
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Transforming Growth Factor beta* / pharmacology
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Transplantation Tolerance*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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FOXP3 protein, human
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Foxp3 protein, mouse
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Interleukin-1
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Interleukin-6
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Transforming Growth Factor beta