Introduction of Growth Factors
A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cell proliferation, wound healing, and occasionally cellular differentiation. Growth factors are important for regulating a variety of cellular processes. They typically act as signaling molecules between cells. Examples are cytokines and hormones that bind to specific receptors on the surface of their target cells.
Growth factors include Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF), Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-1, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Angiogenin (ANG), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and so on.
KGF and γδ T Cell
KGF, which is secreted by interstitial cells, including fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells, is characterized as a fibroblast growth factor. Functions of γδ T cells are not restricted to the epidermis. Following dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment, γδ Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) localize to sites of epithelial cell damage and express KGF-1, resulting in vigorous epithelial cell proliferation to repair the damage. In the absence of γδ T cells, there is increased severity of DSS-induced damage and a delay in tissue repair due, at least in part, to defective KGF-1 production resulting in severely impaired epithelial cell proliferation.
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