Immunoregulation by members of the TGFβ superfamily

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) superfamily is encoded by 33 genes and includes TGF beta, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and activins. Although TGF beta is well recognized as a crucial regulator of immune responses, the immunoregulatory functions of other TGF beta family members are less clear. However, recent evidence suggests that BMPs and activins have important roles in regulating immune responses. In this Review, we briefly outline the signalling pathways of the TGF beta superfamily and discuss new insights into the immunoregulatory functions of BMPs and activins in the context of infection, inflammation and cancer.