BMPing up against TGF-β
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) family of cytokines. Within this family, TGF-β is critical to prevent the spontaneous activation of self-reactive T cells and promote the differentiation of T helper 17 (TH17) cells. Browning et al. found that the CD4+ T cell–intrinsic activation of BMP receptor 1α inhibited the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into TH17 cells. Loss of this receptor reprogrammed the transcriptome of effector T cells, promoted exaggerated responses to inflammatory cytokines, and exacerbated disease in a mouse model of colitis. These data suggest that BMPs may antagonize TGF-β to limit effector T cell development and function.
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