Summary
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of growth factors are major regulators
of wound repair, scar formation, and fibrosis. One of the prominent features of TGF-β
biology is the fact that this growth factor is secreted as a latent precursor, which
may be directed to and stored at specific sites in the cellular microenvironment.
Targeting and mobilization, and particularly extracellular activation of latent TGF-β
control the biological action of this growth factor. This review will focus on mechanisms
of extracellular TGF-β regulation relevant to and potentially operating in wound repair
and scarring.
Keywords
TGF-β - TGF-β regulation - latent TGF-β activation - wound repair - scarring