Hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines

Cytokines are soluble glycoproteins of low molecular weight that display a multitude of diverse biological functions. They are crucial in maintaining a network of communication that regulates many processes such as proliferat ion, differentiation and maturation, and survival of cellular compartments. New cytokines are being rapidly identified and new functions and activitie s described in known cytokines, Despite the seemingly confusing nomenclatur e, some common characteristics exist and permit distinction of certain grou ps of molecules. Interactions among cytokines and the impact of cell surfac e receptor ligand interaction on intracellular cytokine signaling is increa singly appreciated. Dissection of the signaling pathways is vital to unders tand the role of cytokines and growth factors in a variety of disease state s. Hematopoietic growth factors are already in widespread clinical use, New therapies based on understanding crucial parts of the signaling process ar e under investigation. Further study of cytokines and hematopoietic growth factors and the interactions among them will provide new possibilities for more targeted treatments in the future.