How parasite protein mimicry inspired the creation of novel cell-type-specific TGFβ modulators
In previous work, prof ten Dijke and coworkers described the helminth TGFβ mimic TGM, which activates TGFβ signaling specifically in regulatory T cells (Tregs) by engaging TGFB1, TGFBR2, and the CD44 co-receptor. In current research they focuse on helminth TGM6, a highly selective antagonist of the mammalian TGFβ pathway. Through convergent evolution, this parasite has developed a sophisticated mechanism to inhibit mammalian TGFβ signaling.
