TGFB1 and renal fibrosis: Conversely, TGF-β treatment of TECs from NLPR3−/− mice results in reduced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and diminished α-SMA/MMP9 expression, confirming that NLRP3 facilitates TEC-driven renal fibrosis via the TGF-β/Smad pathway (59).