Is TGF-β1 the key to suppression of human asthma?

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is produced by many types of cells that are activated in the asthmatic response. Recent studies have highlighted this cytokine as an important negative regulator in an experimental model of asthma. Although the role of TGF-β1 in human asthma remains obscure, data derived from animal models have encouraged the further investigation of such suppression mechanisms in order to develop novel therapies for asthma.