Pleiotropic effects of transforming growth factor-β in hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pleiotropic cytokine with beneficial and detrimental effects posthematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. TGF-β is increased in specific sites postengraftment and can suppress immune responses and maintain peripheral tolerance. Thus, TGF-β may promote allograft acceptance. However, TGF-β is also the central pathogenic cytokine in fibrotic disease and likely promotes pneumonitis. Although TGF-β can enhance leukocyte recruitment and IgA production, it inhibits both innate and adaptive immune cell function and antiviral host defense posthematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. This review will focus on the current understanding of TGF-β biology and the numerous ways it can impact outcomes posttransplant.