The soluble transforming growth factor-β receptor: Advantages and applications

• Published in: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 472 - 476
• Main Authors: Russo, Leileata M., Brown, Dennis, Lin, Herbert Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2009
• Subjects: Albuminuria; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cancer; Cell Differentiation - immunology; Cell Proliferation; Diabetic nephropathy; Extracellular Matrix - immunology; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Fibrosis; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunotherapy - trends; Neoplasms - immunology; Neoplasms - pathology; Neoplasms - therapy; Receptors, IgG - genetics; Receptors, IgG - immunology; Receptors, IgG - therapeutic use; Recombinant Proteins - genetics; Recombinant Proteins - immunology; Recombinant Proteins - therapeutic use; Signal Transduction - immunology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - genetics; Transforming Growth Factor beta - immunology; Transforming growth factor-beta; Wound Healing - immunology; Transforming growth factor-beta; Diabetic nephropathy; Albuminuria; Fibrosis; Cancer
• ISSN: 1357-2725; 1878-5875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.01.026

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine that plays a pivotal role in growth, differentiation, development, immune response and wound healing. TGF-β is upregulated following wound infliction and inflammation, and plays an important role in the production of extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to tissue repair. However, in some diseases, TGF-β dysregulation can lead to tumor formation, organ fibrosis and the disruption of organ function. A number of molecules have been designed to counteract the effects of TGF-β, including anti-TGF-β monoclonal antibodies and various small molecules. Here we discuss the design, use and advantages of the highly specific TGF-β binding molecule, the soluble human TGF-β receptor (sTβR.Fc) as a TGF-β sequestering agent.