METHODS FOR INHIBITING TGF-beta

摘要

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