TGF-beta as a T cell regulator in colitis and colon cancer

TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine with powerful immunosuppressive functions. Mice deficient for TGF-β1 show a dramatic phenotype with severe multiorgan inflammation and die shortly after birth. Recent investigations have highlighted the role of TGF-β in suppression of T cell mediated autoimmune inflammation and anti-tumor immunity. In addition to its direct anti-inflammatory effects on T cells, TGF-β has been implicated as central regulator of regulatory T cells. TGF-β not only mediates the suppression of effector T cells by Tregs, recent evidence also reveals a role for TGF-β along with TCR stimulation in the peripheral induction of regulatory T cells from naïve CD4+CD25− cells.