Description
Nerve growth factor beta (NGFβ/beta-NGF) is a secreted protein of the neurotropin family and is important for the differentiation and survival of neurons and dermal keratinocytes (1). NGFβ is found in the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid gland, testes, epididymis, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, mast cells and eosinophils. Glutamate, vitamin D3, IL-6, FGF basic, astrocyte specific IL-1, TNF alpha, PDGF and TGF beta up-regulate while GABAergic neuronal activity, glucocorticoids and Schwann cell-specific TGF beta down-regulate NFGβ. Signaling by NFGβ occurs through two receptors: TrKs and NGF receptor. It enhances the differentiation and survival of B lymphocytes (2) and also has a possible role in allergy and tissue repair (3)