Papel del TGF-β en la inmunidad contra los rotavirus

Rotavirus enter their host and predominantly replicates in the small intestine. In this organ, TGF-β plays an important role in maintaining tolerance to commensal microorganisms and food. For this reason, it is probable that this citokine plays a role in modulating viral infection. Results from our laboratory have shown that in vitro human cells infected with rotavirus secrete increased levels of TGF-β and promote an attenuated T cell response, which is necessary for protective cellular immunity. In this review article, I will critically evaluate the hypothesis that rotavirus induce the production of TGF-β as an immune evasion mechanism.