The broader superfamily of TGF-β-like proteins is reviewed, and signaling pathways summarised.

The role of TGF-β in the immune tolerance and control of infectious disease is discussed.

The superfamily member AMH is involved in embryonic sexual differentiation.

Helminth parasites appear to exploit the TGF-β pathway to suppress host immunity.

TGF-β homologues and mimics from parasites offer a new route for therapeutic tolerance induction.