Abstract

In the immune system, transforming growth factor- (TGF) affects multiple cell lineages by either promoting or opposing their differentiation, survival and proliferation. Understanding the cellular mechanisms of TGF-mediated regulation is complicated due to a broad distribution of TGF receptors on the surface of different immune-cell types. Recent studies using in vivo genetic approaches revealed a critical role for TGF signalling in T cells in restraining fatal autoimmune lesions. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of a role for TGF signalling in the regulation of T-cell differentiation in the thymus and in the periphery, with a particular emphasis on TGF-mediated control of self-reactive T cells.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
2. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.

Correspondence to: Alexander Y Rudensky^1,2 Email: aruden@u.washington.edu

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