Colony-stimulating factors in inflammation and autoimmunity

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Abstract
Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) — granulocyte/macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), macrophage CSF (M-CSF) and granulocyte CSF (G-CSF) — have wider functions than their original in vitro definition as haematopoietic-cell growth factors. Recent extensive animal data indicate that CSF depletion provides benefit in many inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions. Early-phase clinical trials targeting GM-CSF and M-CSF have commenced. The distinct biological properties of the CSFs offer specific targeting opportunities, but with some associated risks. Information about the background biology of the CSFs is required to predict the probable specific outcomes of CSF blockade. There are several outstanding questions regarding CSF biology that need to be addressed to aid the design of future clinical trials.