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. 2014 Nov 21:805–892. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-397175-3.00019-3

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FIGURE 19.11 — The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and activin/inhibin family of cytokines.

These cytokines are dimers of disulfide-linked subunits with considerable sequence and structural homology, and have diverse actions within the reproductive and immune systems. Three distinct subunits lead to production of homodimers (or less frequently heterodimers) of TGFβ1, 2, or 3. Dimerization of two homologous β-subunits lead to either activin A, activin B, or less commonly activin AB (not shown). Dimerization of the activin subunits with the closely related α-subunit produces the inhibins, which are produced almost exclusively by the Sertoli cells. Activins derived from the β_C-subunit (not shown), appear to play regulatory roles through formation of nonactivating homodimers and heterodimers.