ReviewIntegrin-Mediated Transforming Growth Factor-β Activation, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Fibrogenic Disorders

A subset of integrins function as cell surface receptors for the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). TGF-β is expressed in an inactive or latent form, and activation of TGF-β is a major mechanism that regulates TGF-β function. Indeed, important TGF-β activation mechanisms involve several of the TGF-β binding integrins. Knockout mice suggest essential roles for integrin-mediated TGF-β activation in vessel and craniofacial morphogenesis during development and in immune homeostasis and the fibrotic wound healing response in the adult. Amplification of integrin-mediated TGF-β activation in fibrotic disorders and data from preclinical models suggest that integrins may therefore represent novel targets for antifibrotic therapies.