Transforming growth factor-beta induces human T lymphocyte migration in vitro.
In addition to its activities as a growth factor, recent studies suggest an immunoregulatory role for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). In this context we have demonstrated that TGF-beta is a potent chemotactic factor in vitro for human T lymphocytes at a concentration of 40 fM and for monocytes at a concentration of 0.4 fM but that it has no chemotactic activity for neutrophils. Furthermore, using an assay of lymphocyte subset chemotaxis we have been able to show that TGF-beta can induce migration of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in vitro. This study provides further evidence that TGF-beta acts as a cytokine, being able to attract T lymphocytes and monocytes to sites of inflammation. Its role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory reactions is likely to be complex.
Adams
D H
DH
Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Hathaway
M
M
Shaw
J
J
Burnett
D
D
Elias
E
E
Strain
A J
AJ
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology; D009240:N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D009240:N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine