TGF- β RII - Fc Chimera

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta; TGF-b) is a pleiotropic cytokine that controls the growth, survival, motility and differentiation of cells. It is involved in the degradation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and has an important role in development during embryogenesis. TGF-beta is critical in wound healing as well as hematopoiesis, maintaining immune homeostasis by balancing lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis. The biological effects of TGF-beta are mediated by binding to TGF-beta receptors; TGF-beta RI, TGF-beta RII (TGF-beta R2 ) , and TGF-beta RIII ( TGF-beta R3 ).

TGF-beta initially binds to TGF-beta RII, which in turn complexes with TGF-beta RI. TGF-beta RII autophosphorylates and in turn phosphorylates serine residues on SMAD signaling proteins, activating the downstream intracellular signaling cascade through the cytoplasm and into the nucleus.