Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) activates TGF-β and prevents dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

ABSTRACT: Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) are secreted from cells as latent complexes and the activity of TGF-βs is controlled predominantly through activation of these complexes. Tolerance to the fetal allograft is essential for pregnancy success; TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 play important roles in regulating these processes. Pregnancy-specific β-glycoproteins (PSGs) are present in the maternal circulation at a high concentration throughout pregnancy and have been proposed to have anti-inflammatory functions. We found that recombinant and native PSG1 activate TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in vitro. Consistent with these findings, administration of PSG1 protected mice from dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the number of T regulatory cel

SUBMITTER: Blois SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3844031 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature