ABSTRACT
Processes of embryogenesis and development, host defense, and wound repair require exquisite regulation of cellular migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The balance of cell growth with cell death is necessary for normal growth and development. If this balance is disrupted, excessive proliferation can lead to malignancy. In a similar manner, an imbalance in the inflammatory responses to injury or infection can lead to failed defense or conversely, to chronic inflammatory disease or fibrosis. Thus, the maintenance of normal physiology and homeostasis is vital to sustain life. One vital participant in this physiologic process is transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).
