GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR AND THE IMMUNE-SYSTEM

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a multifu nctional cytokine currently used for the reversal of neutropenia assoc iated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, bone marrow and haemopoietic stem c ell transplantation. GM-CSF also modulates the function of differentia ted white blood cells. In the context of local inflammatory responses, GM-CSF stimulates macrophages for antimicrobial and antitumor effects . GM-CSF further enhances healing and repair by its actions on fibrobl asts and epidermal cells. GM-CSF is the pivotal mediator of the matura tion and function of dendritic cells, the most important cell type for the induction of primary T cell immune responses. GM-CSF may enhance antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in several cell types, and the generation and cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells. On this basis, GM-CSF may be useful for inducing or augmenting antibody r esponses to antimicrobial vaccines, to enhance killing of intracellula r microorganism, to accelerate epidermal and mucosal wound healing, an d to stimulate protective immunity against tumors.