TGF-β and Mast Cells: Regulators of Tumor Development

Abstract

The transforming growth factor (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in various pathological conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, allergies and, in recent years, cancer. This cytokine exerts tumor suppressive effects that cancer cells must evade for tumor progression. Paradoxically, TGF-β also modulates inflammatory processes that favor tumor progression, such as the recruitment of cells from the immune system, like mast cells (MCs).This cell type participates in the regulation of tumor progression through secretion of diverse mediators: pro-angiogenic, pro-inflammatory and growth factors. Here, we review advances in understanding the role of TGF-β in mast cells regulation, as well as their contribution in tumor development. The understanding of TGF-β and MCs interplay during cancer development is essential for the design of new therapies to inhibit tumor progression.