CSF2 (colony stimulating factor 2), also known as GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), is secreted by macrophages, T cells, mast cells, natural killer cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Body glycoproteins. Unlike granulocyte colony-stimulating factors that specifically promote the proliferation and maturation of neutrophils, GM-CSF affects more cell types, especially macrophages and eosinophils. GM-CSF is a monomeric glycoprotein and is also a leukocyte growth factor. GM-CSF stimulates stem cells to produce granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and monocytes. Monocytes withdraw from circulation and migrate into tissues, whereupon they mature into macrophages and dendritic cells. Therefore, it is part of the immune/inflammatory cascade through which activation of small numbers of macrophages can rapidly lead to an increase in their numbers, which is a crucial process for fighting infection. GM-CSF also has some effects on mature cells of the immune system. These include, for example, changes in receptors that inhibit neutrophil migration and cause expression on the cell surface. GM-CSF is found in high levels in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis, and blocking GM-CSF as a biological target can reduce inflammation or injury. Some drugs (such as MOR103) are under development to block GM-CSF. Namilumab is a human monoclonal antibody that targets CSF2. Currently being studied for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Loading...