Transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2 as well as milk growth factor decrease anti-CD3-induced proliferation of human lymphocytes without inhibiting the anti-CD3-mediated increase of [Ca2+]i and the activation of protein kinase C.

Porcine transforming growth factor 1 and 2 (pTGF-beta 1 and -beta 2) and milk growth factor (MGF) at 1 ng/ml significantly inhibited the proliferation of human lymphocytes induced by anti-CD3 antibodies. In contrast, the anti-CD3-mediated increase of intracellular Ca2+ and the activation and translocation of protein kinase C were not affected by the transforming growth factors.