TGF-beta and atherosclerosis in man.
The transforming growth factor type-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of ligands, receptors, binding proteins and ligand traps together plays a key role in the maintenance of normal blood vessel wall structure. Specific defects in genes encoding superfamily members have now been linked to a range of cardiovascular syndromes involving loss of healthy vessel architecture, including hypertension and aneurysm. However the contribution of TGF-beta to the development of atherosclerosis is simultaneously more subtle and more complex. TGF-beta ligands are produced by a range of different cell types, which also regulate release of the active cytokine that, in turn, signals through multiple receptor complexes on different cell types. Recent evidence suggests that the T cell may be both a key source of TGF-beta1 and a key target for its effects during atherogenesis, as in other chronic inflammatory disorders. Here we review the evidence for the role of TGF-beta in the human vasculature during atherogenesis, and evaluate the available data in the context of our knowledge from animal models of the disease.
Grainger
David J
DJ
Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom. djg15@cam.ac.uk
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta