Transforming Growth Factor type β Induces Monocyte Chemotaxis and Growth Factor Production

• Published in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 1987-08, Vol.84 (16), p.5788-5792
• Main Authors: Wahl, Sharon M., Hunt, Denise A., Wakefield, Lalage M., McCartney-Francis, Nancy, Wahl, Larry M., Roberts, Anita B., Sporn, Michael B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell physiology; Chemotaxis; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte - drug effects; Fibroblast growth factors; Fibroblasts; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Growth Substances - biosynthesis; Humans; Interleukin-1 - genetics; Kinetics; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Messenger RNA; Molecular and cellular biology; Monocytes; Monocytes - drug effects; Peptides - pharmacology; Receptors; Receptors, Cell Surface - metabolism; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Responses to growth factors, tumor promotors, other factors; RNA; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Transforming Growth Factors; Tumors
• ISSN: 0027-8424; 1091-6490
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.16.5788

Recent studies have focused on the potential role of transforming growth factor type β (TGF-β ) as an immunoregulatory peptide. In this context, we demonstrate that TGF-β is a potent chemoattractant for human peripheral blood monocytes. At concentrations from 0.1 to 10 pg/ml, TGF-β induces directed monocyte migration in vitro. Consistent with this observation is the expression of high-affinity TGF-β receptors on the monocytes with a Kd of 1-10 pM. At higher concentrations of TGF-β (≥ 1 ng/ml), monocytes are stimulated to generate biologically active mediator(s) that enhance fibroblast growth. Gene expression for one of these growth factors, interleukin 1, is induced in monocytes within hours after exposure to TGF-β . Thus, TGF-β may provide an important signal for monocyte recruitment and for regulation of their synthesis of mediators of fibroblast growth and activity in wound healing.