Transforming Growth Factor-β Gene Transfer to the Lung Induces Myofibroblast Presence and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Many cytokines have been implicated in the initiation or propagation of fibrogenesis. In particular, the early-phase inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and members of the chemokine families, including IL and monocyte chemotactic peptide (MCP-1) are known to be present in inflamed tissue, both at the beginning and at advanced stages of fibrosis. In addition, growth and differentiating factors, such as the …