HUMAN BONE-MARROW FIBROBLASTS - AN OVERVIEW OF THEIR CHARACTERIZATION, PROLIFERATION AND INFLAMMATORY MEDIATOR PRODUCTION

Bone marrow fibroblasts regulate hematopoiesis by interacting directly (cell-to-cell contact) with hematopoietic cells and by secreting regu latory molecules (such as GM-CSF, M-CSF, IL6 and LIF) that modulate he matopoiesis either in a positive or a negative manner. Several cytokin es (such as bFGF, EGF, PDGF and TGF-beta) affect the growth of human m arrow fibroblasts in vitro. Further in vivo studies are still required to clarify the role of marrow fibroblasts and their interactions with hematopoietic progenitors during myelofibrosis and leukemic diseases.