Hemopoietic colony-stimulating factors

Immunol Today. 1984 Mar;5(3):76-80. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(84)90170-1.

Abstract

Hemopoietic colony-stimulatingfactors (CSFs) are glycoproteingrowth factors produced by many tissues in the body; they are essential for the survival, growth and differentiation of hemopoietic progenitor cells in vitro. In this article Nicos Nicola and Mathew TTadas discuss the classes of CSF that have now been purified (M-CSF, GM-CSF, G-CSF and Multi-CSF). Each is active in vitro at picomolar concentrations, but each can be distinguished from the others by its unique molecular properties and unique spectrum of biological activity. In addition to their proliferative effects, these regulators also appear able to stimulate functional activities in mature hemopoietic cells.