The TGFβ large latent complex (LLC). The TGFβ large latent complex (LLC). The LLC comprises TGFβ (black), LAP (red) and LTBP. TGFβ and LAP are proteolytically separated at the site indicated by the arrowhead. After processing, TGFβ remains noncovalently associated with LAP. LAP and LTBP are joined by disulfide bonds (light blue lines). The LLC is covalently linked to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through an isopeptide bond (green) between the N-terminus of LTBP (somewhere between EGF2 and the hinge domain) and a currently unidentified matrix protein. The hinge domain (arrow) of LTBP is a protease-sensitive region that allows LLC to be proteolytically released from the ECM. Justin P. Annes et al. J Cell Sci 2003;116:217-224 © The Company of Biologists Limited 2003