Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor‐β–Stimulated Myofibroblastic Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts play a critical role during wound healing and chronic inflammation through the synthesis and assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. These responses may be modulated by soluble cytokines and growth factors present in tissues. In the present study, we evaluate whether transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) modulate myofibroblastic differentiation and the production of ECM...