Colony-Stimulating Factors and Host Defense
- Richard H. Weisbart, MD;
- Judith C. Gasson, PhD; and
- David W. Golde, MD
Abstract
Colony-stimulating factors are growth factors responsible for the proliferation and the maturation of bone marrow stem cells to fully differentiated granulocytes and monocytes. In addition to their effects on hematopoiesis, some colony-stimulating factors prime mature cells for enhanced chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and killing in response to physiologic stimuli. The action of colony-stimulating factors is mediated by growth factor receptors on precursor and mature effector cells. The results of studies of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) suggest a possible therapeutic role for colony-stimulating factors in augmenting mechanisms of host defense.
Article and Author Information
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An edited summary of an Interdepartmental Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California. William M. Pardridge, MD, Professor of Medicine, is Director of Conferences.
Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of the reference:
Gasson JC. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor: mechanism of action, pp 298-301. In: Weisbart RH. Colony-Stimulating Factors and Host Defense. Ann Intern Med. 1989;110:297-303.
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Grant Support: Partial support by Public Health Service grants CA30388, CA32737, HL42107, RR-00865, CA40163, and CA30280.
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Requests for Reprints: Richard H. Weisbart, MD, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, UCLA San Fernando Valley Program, 16111 Plummer Street, Sepulveda, CA 91343.
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Current Author Addresses: Dr. Weisbart: Division of Rheumatology, UCLA San Fernando Valley Program, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Sepulveda, CA 91343.
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Drs. Golde and Gasson: Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1678.
- © 1989 American College of Physicians
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