RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The contribution of transforming growth factor-β and epidermal growth factor signalling to airway remodelling in chronic asthma JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 208 OP 229 DO 10.1183/09031936.06.00130004 VO 27 IS 1 A1 C. Boxall A1 S. T. Holgate A1 D. E. Davies YR 2006 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/27/1/208.abstract AB Asthma is increasing in prevalence in the developing world, affecting ∼10% of the world’s population. It is characterised by chronic lung inflammation and airway remodelling associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, acute bronchial hyperresponsiveness to a variety of innocuous stimuli and a more rapid decline in lung function over time. Airway remodelling, involving proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal cells, particularly myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, is generally refractory to corticosteroids and makes a major contribution to disease chronicity. Transforming growth factor-β is a potent profibrogenic factor whose expression is increased in the asthmatic airways and is a prime candidate for the initiation and persistence of airway remodelling in asthma. This review highlights the role of transforming growth factor-β in the asthmatic lung, incorporating biosynthesis, signalling pathways and functional outcome. In vivo, however, it is the balance between transforming growth factor-β and other growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor, which will determine the extent of fibrosis in the airways. A fuller comprehension of the actions of transforming growth factor-β, and its interaction with other signalling pathways, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor signalling cascade, may enable development of therapies that control airway remodelling where there is an unmet clinical need. SERIES “SIGNALLING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION IN INFLAMMATORY AND IMMUNE CELLS: IMPORTANCE IN LUNG BIOLOGY AND DISEASE” Edited by K.F. Chung and I.M. Adcock Number 3 in this Series