Attenuation of TGF-β signaling leads to pulmonary emphysema in animal models,1, 2 which may reflect TGF-β1 effects on vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis.3, 4 TGF-β1 also has a pivotal role in maintaining peripheral tolerance against self-antigens5 and controlling autoimmune responses.6, 7. Here, TGFB1 is linked to pulmonary emphysema.