TGF-β1 induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human bronchial epithelial cells is enhanced by IL-1β but not abrogated by corticosteroids

Our results indicate, that TGFbeta1 can induce mesenchymal transition in the bronchial epithelial cell line and primary cells. Since asthma has been strongly associated with increased expression of TGFbeta1 in the airway, epithelial to mesenchymal transition may contribute to the contractile and fibrotic remodeling process that accompanies chronic asthma.