Transforming Growth Factor-β: A Multifunctional Regulator of Cancer Immunity
Vivian Weiwen Xue, Jeff Yat‐Fai Chung, Cristina Alexandra García Córdoba, Alvin H.K. Cheung, Wei Kang, Eric W.‐F. Lam, Kam Tong Leung, Ka‐Fai To, Hui Y. Lan, Patrick Ming‐Kuen Tang
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was originally identified as an anti-tumour cytokine. However, there is increasing evidence that it has important roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME) in facilitating cancer progression. TGF-β actively shapes the TME via modulating the host immunity. These actions are highly cell-type specific and complicated, involving both canonical and non-canonical pathways. In this review, we systemically update how TGF-β signalling acts as a checkpoint regulator for cancer immunomodulation. A better appreciation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level can lead to the discovery of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer.