[Targeting the TGF-β pathway in pulmonary fibrosis: Is it still a relevant strategy?]

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare, progressive and fatal disease without pharmacologic curative treatments for the patients. TGF-β is a crucial cytokine in the fibrotic process, and its intracellular signaling pathways are complex and rely on the activation of its receptor. This review summarizes our knowledge on the regulatory checkpoints of the TGF-β signaling. In addition, the main strategies and key potential therapeutic targets identified over recent years are presented, with particular emphasis laid on how they can be used to develop new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.

Keywords: Cell signaling; Fibrose pulmonaire idiopathique; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Signalisation cellulaire; TGF-β.