More Velcro for the TGF-ß1 straitjacket: A new antibody straps latent TGF-ß1 to the matrix.

ABSTRACT

In this issue of Science Signaling, Jackson et al. present a new antibody strategy to-quite literally-strap transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) to latent complexes in the extracellular matrix. The antibody has no effect on latent TGF-ß1 presented on the surface of immune cells and thus allows targeting of the detrimental effects of TGF-ß1 in fibrosis without affecting its beneficial immune-suppressing activities.