TGFbeta signalling in control of T-cell-mediated self-reactivity.
In the immune system, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) affects multiple cell lineages by either promoting or opposing their differentiation, survival and proliferation. Understanding the cellular mechanisms of TGFbeta-mediated regulation is complicated due to a broad distribution of TGFbeta receptors on the surface of different immune-cell types. Recent studies using in vivo genetic approaches revealed a critical role for TGFbeta signalling in T cells in restraining fatal autoimmune lesions. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of a role for TGFbeta signalling in the regulation of T-cell differentiation in the thymus and in the periphery, with a particular emphasis on TGFbeta-mediated control of self-reactive T cells.
Rubtsov
Yuri P
YP
Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Rudensky
Alexander Y
AY
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D051785:Smad Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta