[Current review on the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in some pathological disorders].

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family is recognised as one of the major regulators of immune response. Increased synthesis of TGF-beta has been linked to immune defects associated with malignancy and autoimmune disorders, to susceptibility to opportunistic infection, and to fibrotic disease. It is widely believed that this factor is related to the development of two main features of chronic graft dysfunction and rejection, namely fibrosis and atherosclerosis. Studies of haematopoietic pathologies involving TGF-beta have provided an important evidence of its key role in regulation of haematopoiesis. Recent studies have indicated that TGF-beta may be a significant mediator of the profound and prolonged immunosuppression found during graft versus host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It has also been linked with scleroderma-like features often described in chronic GVHD. Moreover, particular TGF-beta polymorphisms may be prognostic factors in predicting a post-transplant outcome.