SUMMARYTGF-¯is a multifunctional cytokine modulating the onset and course of autoimmune diseases as shown in experimental models. The aim of this study was to investigate TGF-¯expression in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and the possible interactions of this cytokine with lysosomal enzymes identified as ANCA autoantigens (e.g. PR3). This included TGF-¯effects on the translocation of the lysosomal enzymes to the cell surface of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), and the presumed activation of non-bioactive, latent TGF-¯by these enzymes. Patients with various types of systemic vasculitis (SV) were studied, including three different types of AAV (Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), Churg-Strauß syndrome (CSS) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)). Regardless of the type of assay applied, the TGF-¯1 isoform was found to be overexpressed in SV, including AAV, and to correlate with disease activity as shown for WG. Mean TGF-¯1 plasma levels in AAV patients ranged from 8 . 9 ng/ml (WG) to 13 . 3 ng/ml (CSS) (control 4 . 2 ng/ml; P < 0 . 01), while TGF-¯2 levels were not elevated. Flow cytometry analysis showed TGF-¯1 to be a potent translocation factor for PR3 comparable to other neutrophilactivating factors such as IL-8. PR3 membrane expression on primed PMN increased by up to 51% after incubation with TGF-¯1. PR3 itself was revealed as a potent activator of latent TGF-¯, thus mediating bioeffects of this cytokine. These findings, together with other features of TGF-¯such as induction of angiogenesis and its strong chemotactic capacity, indicate that TGF-¯might serve as a proinflammatory factor in SV, especially in AAV.