CYTOKINES TO REDUCE PLATELET TRANSFUSIONS - NON-TPO CYTOKINES

Although thrombopoietin (TPO) has now been cloned, many pretenders hav e auditioned for the role. It is clear that interleukin-3, interleukin -6, interleukin-11, stem cell factor, leukaemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin-M all influence the proliferation and maturation of megakar yocytes. This review details the nature of these non-TPO cytokines, gi ving their genetic identity, molecular structure, receptor, mode of ac tion and range of activities. Their effect on platelet production in p reclinical and clinical studies is reported and their potential as age nts for thrombopoietic support is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.