The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or blocking TGF-.beta.activity in cells and/or tissues expressingTGF-.beta. comprising, contacting cells and/or tissues expressing TGF-.beta.with an amount of cholesterol or cholesterol derivative effectiveto inhibit the activity of TGF-.beta.. The present invention further providesa method for treating a condition associated with overactivityof TGF-.beta. or negative regulation in normal physiology by TGF-.beta. in asubject in need of treatment, comprising contacting cellsand/or tissue overexpressing TGF-.beta. in the subject with an amount ofcholesterol or cholesterol derivative effective to inhibit activityof TGF-.beta. thereby treating the condition. In a preferred embodiment, thecholesterol derivative is oxidized 7-DHC.
