GM-CSF: Proteins and Enzymes

GM-CSF (Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor) induces the development of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and myeloid and dermal dendritic cells. It also acts as a neutrophil and dendritic cell chemoattractant. GM-CSF promotes Th1 and Th17 cell mediated autoimmune inflammation as well as the inflammatory activation of dendritic cells, microglia, alveolar macrophages, and eosinophils. In addition, it cooperates with G-CSF in promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasion. GM-CSF signals through a receptor complex composed of GM-CSF R alpha and the Common beta Chain (beta c) with Syndecan-2 as a potential co-receptor. The beta c subunit is shared by the receptor complexes for IL-3 and IL-5.