This MAb recognizes TGF beta 1, 2 and 3. Three TGFĪ s have been identified in mammals. TGFĪ 1, TGFĪ 2 and TGFĪ 3 are each synthesized as precursor proteins that are very similar in that each is cleaved to yield a 112 amino acid polypeptide that remains associated with the latent portion of the molecules. Biologically active TGFĪ requires dimerization of the monomers (usually homodimers) and release of the latent peptide portion. Overall, the mature region of the TGFĪ 3 protein has approximately 80% identity to the mature region of both TGFĪ 1 and TGFĪ 2. However, the NH2 terminals or precursor regions of their molecules share only 27% sequence identity. TGFĪ ā€(TM)s inhibit the growth of epithelial cells and stimulate the growth of mesenchymal cells.Ā