Activation of latent TGFß by αvß 1 integrin: of potential importance in myofibroblast activation in fibrosis.

Cell-mediated activation of latent TGF-ß1 is intimately involved with tissue repair and fibrosis in all organs. Previously, it was shown that the integrin ß1 subunit was required for activation of latent TGF-ß1 and skin fibrosis. A recent study by Henderson and colleagues (Nature Medicine 19,1617-1624, 2013) used three different in vivo models of fibrosis to show that integrin αv subunit was required for fibrogenesis. Through a process of elimination, the authors conclude that in vivo, the little-studied αvß1 could be the major integrin responsible for TGF-ß activation by myofibroblasts. Thus targeting this integrin might be a useful therapy for fibrosis.