Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (pronounced as gran-yuh-loh-site mack-row-fage koh-luh-nee stim-yuh-lay-ting fak-tor), often abbreviated as GM-CSF, is a protein secreted by various cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, that functions in the immune response.
Etymology
The term "Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor" is derived from its function. "Granulocyte" and "macrophage" refer to the types of white blood cells that this factor stimulates the production of. "Colony-stimulating factor" refers to its ability to stimulate the production of colonies of these cells.
Function
GM-CSF is a cytokine that functions as a white blood cell growth factor. It stimulates the production of granulocytes and monocytes, which mature into macrophages and dendritic cells, from the bone marrow. These cells play a crucial role in the immune response, helping to fight off infections and diseases.
Clinical Significance
GM-CSF is used clinically in the treatment of neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils. It is also being investigated for its potential use in the treatment of various cancers, including leukemia and melanoma.
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