METHODS FOR INHIBITING TGF-

摘要

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