Colony-stimulating factors: present status and future applications

Research in recombinant DNA technology has led to the characterization of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) as a family of glycoprotein hormones that are thought to regulate blood cell proliferation and differentiation. CSFs also have been studied for their potential use in treating various hematologic, infectious, and neoplastic disorders. Preliminary-results using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to restore leukocyte competence in acquired immune deficiency syndrome and myelodysplastic syndrome patients have been impressive. Toxic effects generally have not been severe. Other hematopoietic factors are receiving scrutiny for their potential clinical applications.