Role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF) beta in the physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine with pleiotropic functions in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Although its role in rheumatoid arthritis is not well defined, TGF-β activation leads to functional immunomodulatory effects according to environmental conditions. The function of TGF-β in the development of arthritis in murine models has been extensively studied with controversial results. Recent findings point to a non-relevant role for TGF-β in a mice model of collagen-induced arthritis. The study of TGF-β on T-cell responses has shown controversial results as an inhibitor or promoter of the inflammatory response. This paper presents a review of the role of TGF-β in animal models of arthritis.

Keywords: Animal models; Artritis reumatoide; Artritis-inducida con colágeno; Collagen-induced arthritis; Células T; Factor de crecimiento transformador-beta; Modelos animales; Rheumatoid artritis; T cells; Transforming growth factor-beta.