Transforming growth factors type beta 1 and beta 2 suppress rat astrocyte autoantigen presentation and antagonize hyperinduction of class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

The transforming growth factors (TGF) type beta 1 and beta 2 are regulatory cytokines strongly affecting rat astrocyte immune functions. Both cytokines suppressed presentation of autoantigen by astrocytes: highly encephalitogenic T cells cocultured with TGF-beta-treated astrocytes in the presence of myelin basic protein did not become activated to transfer experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease. Furthermore, TGF-beta 1 and -beta 2 antagonized hyperinduction of astrocyte major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Thus, TGF-beta might be a potential regulator of CNS inflammation.