Abstract
The protective effect of Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) proteins in the gastrointestinal tract by promoting the healing of injured mucosa is well known. An increasing body of evidence connects TFFs, especially, TFF2 and TFF3, with a possible role in immune regulation. TFF2 is able to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in monocytes and can potently limit leukocyte recruitment at the site of injury. An analysis of gene expression in gastrointestinal tissue of TFF2-deficient mice reveals some new aspects of TFF2's role in the immune response.