METHODS FOR INHIBITING TGF-ß

摘要

The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or blocking TGF-ß activity in cells and/or tissues expressing TGF-ß comprising, contacting cells and/or tissues expressing TGF-ß with an amount of cholesterol or cholesterol derivative effective to inhibit the activity of TGF-ß. The present invention further provides a method for treating a condition associated with overactivity of TGF-ß or negative regulation in normal physiology by TGF-ß in a subject in need of treatment, comprising contacting cells and/or tissue overexpressing TGF-ß in the subject with an amount of cholesterol or cholesterol derivative effective to inhibit activity of TGF-ß thereby treating the condition. In a preferred embodiment, the cholesterol derivative is oxidized 7-DHC.