Bidirectional regulation of macrophage function by TGF-beta
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Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regulation of Macrophage Phagocytosis; Quantitation and Imaging
Published on: July 16, 2021
1Oral Infection and Immunity Branch, National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
The dual role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in modulating macrophage function is an important concept gaining increasing recognition. In addition to its role as a 'macrophage-deactivating' agent, TGF-beta functions as a monocyte activator, inducing cytoke production and mediating host defence. These functions are context-dependent, modulated by the differentiation state of the cell, the local cytokine environment, and the local levels of TGF-beta in itself. In general, during the initial stages of inflammation, TGF-beta locally acts as a proinflammatory agent by recruiting and activating resting monocytes. As these cells differentiate specific immunosuppressive actions of TGF-beta predominate, leading to resolution of the inflammatory response. Increasing our understanding of the bidirectional regulation of macrophage function will facilitate prediction of the ultimate outcome of modulating TGF-beta levels in vivo.
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