Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF2) (GM-CSF)

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF2), also known as GM-CSF, is a monomeric glycoprotein that functions as a potent cytokine and hematopoietic growth factor [1, 2]. It is produced by various cell types, including activated T cells, B cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, in response to immune stimuli and inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 or TNF-alpha [2, 4]. CSF2 plays a vital role in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells into neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, and it is essential for the functional activity of mature myeloid cells [1, 4]. In the lungs, CSF2 is critical for the clearance of surfactant by alveolar macrophages; its deficiency or neutralization by autoantibodies leads to pulmonary alveolar proteinosis [1, 2]. Clinically, recombinant forms of CSF2, such as Sargramostim, are used to accelerate myeloid recovery in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy [3, 4]. Conversely, because CSF2 is a key mediator of tissue inflammation and the 'cytokine storm,' monoclonal antibodies targeting the CSF2 ligand are being investigated for the treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and severe inflammatory complications of viral infections [5]. Sources: [1] UniProt (P04141); [2] NCBI Gene (ID: 1437); [3] DrugBank (DB00020); [4] StatPearls (Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor); [5] PubMed (PMID: 32833830).

Other names

Colony-stimulating factor 2CSF-2MolgramostimSargramostimPluripoietin-alpha

Agonism of the CSF2 receptor to stimulate myeloid cell production and activation; or neutralization of the CSF2 ligand to inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling.