Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family members are structurally and functionally related
cytokines that have diverse effects on the regulation of cell fate during embryonic …

Integrins are key regulators of communication between cells and with their
microenvironment. Eight members of the integrin superfamily recognize the tripeptide motif …

Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in chronic viral infections and tumors functionally deteriorate,
a process known as exhaustion. Exhausted T cells are sustained by precursors of exhausted …

Physiological tissue repair aims at restoring the mechano-protective properties of the
extracellular matrix. Consequently, redundant regulatory mechanisms are in place ensuring …

Chronic organ injury leads to fibrosis and eventually organ failure. Fibrosis is characterized
by excessive synthesis, remodeling, and contraction of extracellular matrix produced by …

Canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling is involved in most of the mechanisms that lead to the
formation and development of cancer cells. It plays a central role in three cyclic processes …

Myofibroblasts are activated in response to tissue injury with the primary task to repair lost or
damaged extracellular matrix. Enhanced collagen secretion and subsequent contraction …

The cytokine TGF-β plays an integral role in regulating immune responses. TGF-β has
pleiotropic effects on adaptive immunity, especially in the regulation of effector and …

The importance of proper skin wound healing becomes evident when our body's repair
mechanisms fail, leading to either non-healing (chronic) wounds or excessive repair …

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian
body. It divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the apical (adluminal) …