Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) is secreted by a number of different cell types (including activated T cells, B cells, macrophages, mast cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts) in response to cytokine or immune and inflammatory stimulation. It was initially characterized as a growth factor that can support the in vitro colony formation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors and has functions of stimulates the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells from various lineages. GM-CSF has also been reported to have a functional role on non-hematopoietic cells and can induce human endothelial cells to migrate and proliferate. Additionally, it can stimulate the proliferation of a number of tumor cell lines, including osteogenic sarcoma, carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cell lines. It is reported that GM-CSF has no biological effects across species.
Reference
1. Wang JM, Chen ZG, Colotta F, et al. 1988. Behring Inst Mitt: 270-3
2. 1989. N Engl J Med, 320: 253-4
3. Nissen-Druey C. 1989. Nouv Rev Fr Hematol, 31: 99-101
4. Eager RandNemunaitis J. 2005. Mol Ther, 12: 18-27
5. Tran T, Fernandes DJ, Schuliga M, et al. 2005. Br J Pharmacol, 145: 123-3
1.