Granulocyte Macrophage Growth Factor (GM-CSF) is one of an array of cytokines with pivotal roles in embryo implantation and subsequent development. In response to cytokine or inflammatory stimuli, GM-CSF is produced by a number of different cell types, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes [1]. As a survival factor, GM-CSF activates the effector functions of granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and eosinophils [1, 2]. GM-CSF promotes a Th1 biased immune response, angiogenesis, allergic inflammation, and the development of autoimmunity [3-5]. It shows clinical effectiveness in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and GM-CSF transfected tumor cells are utilized as cancer vaccines [6, 7]. Mature human GM-CSF shares 63%-70% amino acid sequence identity with canine, feline, porcine, and rat GM-CSF and 54% with mouse GM-CSF. GM-CSF exerts its biological effects through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of GM-CSF R alpha /CD116 and the signal transducing common beta chain (CD131) which is also a component of the high-affinity receptors for IL-3 and IL-5 [8, 9]. In addition, GM-CSF binds a naturally occurring soluble form of GM-CSF R alpha [10].
Reference
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