IL‐3 receptor expression, regulation and function in cells of the Vasculature.

Abstract
Summary: IL‐3 is a haemopoietic growth factor which stimulates the production and functional activity of various blood cell types. Recent evidence suggests that the target cell population of IL‐3 is not restricted to haemopoietic cells as previously thought, but vascular cells such as endothelial cells also express receptors for and respond to this cytokine. Interestingly, IL‐3 was found to regulate endothelial responses related to inflammation, immunity and haemopoiesis. These findings, summarized in this review, offer new insight into the physiological function of IL‐3 and may also be of clinical importance, as IL‐3 is used in bone marrow reconstitution following cancer therapy.