Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor superfamily that includes three different mammalian isoforms (TGF-β 1 to 3, HGNC symbols TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3) and many other signaling proteins. TGFB proteins are produced by all white blood cell lineages.
Activated TGF-β complexes with cell surface TGF-β receptors to form an active serine/threonine kinase complex. After binding their TGF-β protein ligand, TGF-β receptors assemble into heterotetramers composed of two each of the type 1 and type 2 receptor subunits, both of which are serine/threonine kinases. Upon assembly, the type 2 receptor kinase phosphorylates and activates the type 1 receptor kinase to initiate a signaling cascade. This leads to the activation of different downstream substrates and regulatory proteins, inducing transcription of different target genes that function in differentiation, chemotaxis, proliferation, and activation of many immune cells.