Abstract
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that functions as a hematopoietic growth factor for the generation of white blood cells and is used clinically to stimulate hematopoiesis following chemotherapy. Apart from stimulating production of granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages, GM-CSF has also long been used for in vitro survival/generation of dendritic cells (DCs) from monocytes and bone marrow cells. Evidence has emerged pointing to an additional role for GM-CSF in regulating the function and differential development of several DC subsets. These newly ascribed functions of GM-CSF may underscore its importance in immunity against pathogens as well as initiating/mediating immunopathology in chronic inflammation. Here we summarize recent advances on the role of GM-CSF in regulating the development and function of DC subsets and discuss the biological significance of these new findings.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
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Animals
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Autoimmunity
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Cell Differentiation / physiology
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Dendritic Cells / classification*
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Dendritic Cells / cytology
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Dendritic Cells / immunology*
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Dendritic Cells / physiology
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / deficiency
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology*
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / physiology
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Hematopoiesis / drug effects
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Hematopoiesis / immunology
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Hematopoiesis / physiology
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Humans
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Inflammation / etiology
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Listeria monocytogenes / immunology
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Listeria monocytogenes / pathogenicity
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Neoplasms / immunology
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Neoplasms / therapy
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Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
Substances
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Recombinant Proteins
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Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor