Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Induction of Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of CBir1 TCR Transgenic CD4+ T Cells to Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: December 16, 2021
TGF-β in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Tale of the Janus-Like Cytokine
Yujie Shen1, Cong Zhang1, Yingwei Chen2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that controls an immense number of cellular responses and plays a prominent role in maintaining homeostasis of most human organs. In the intestine, the TGF-β is involved in mucosal defense, immune tolerance, inhibition of acute inflammation, promoting the wound-healing process, and suppressing tumor initiation. However, TGF-β exhibits Janus-like features under certain physiologic conditions and chronic inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases [IBDs]). Excessive TGF-β in IBDs favors chronic inflammation, incurs pathologic remolding, and facilitates the progression of colitis-associated inflammation (CAC). Considering the increasingly crucial roles of TGF-Β in the development of IBDs, we overview its pathways and multifaceted effects at the steady-state and IBD conditions of the gut, respectively. In addition, we present potential therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring normal TGF-β signaling in IBDs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway

