GM-CSF: From Growth Factor to Central Mediator of Tissue Inflammation

Immunity. 2016 Nov 15;45(5):963-973. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.10.026.

Abstract

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was initially classified as a hematopoietic growth factor. However, unlike its close relatives macrophage CSF (M-CSF) and granulocyte CSF (G-CSF), the majority of myeloid cells do not require GM-CSF for steady-state myelopoiesis. Instead, in inflammation, GM-CSF serves as a communication conduit between tissue-invading lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Even though lymphocytes are in all likelihood the instigators of chronic inflammatory disease, GM-CSF-activated phagocytes are well equipped to cause tissue damage. The pivotal role of GM-CSF at the T cell:myeloid cell interface might shift our attention toward studying the function of the myeloid compartment in immunopathology. Targeting specifically the crosstalk between T cells and myeloid cells through GM-CSF holds promise for the development of therapeutics to combat chronic tissue inflammation. Here, we will review some of the major discoveries of the recent past, which indicate that GM-CSF is so much more than its name suggests.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*

Substances

  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor