METHODS OF CONTROLLING THE PROLIFERATION OF MACROPHAGES

摘要

This invention provides a method for stimulating or inhibiting the proliferation of differentiated macrophages by modulating the amount or activity of TGF- beta in contact with said differentiated macrophages, as by contact with an effective amount of M-CSF or GM-CSF and TGF- beta . The invention further provides a method for treating an individual with a condition characterized by the overabundance or lack of adequate differentiated macrophages by modulating the amount or activity of TGF- beta activity in macrophage-containing tissues of said individual, as by administering an effective amount of M-CSF or GM-CSF and TGF- beta , or by contacting differentiated macrophages with an agent, such as an antibody or decorin, which suppresses the activity of TGF- beta . Further, the invention provides methods for stimulating proliferation of immature macrophages by contact with TGF- beta .