Regulation of myelopoiesis

Myeloid cells are produced by the bone marrow from stem cells and progenitor cells. This review summarizes the current understanding of how this process is regulated. Regulation of progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation occurs in microenvironments present within the bone marrow as well as on the systemic level by the release of regulators into the circulation. The regulators of central importance to myelopoiesis are growth factors necessary for the proliferation and differentiation of progenitors. These growth factors have recently been characterized and studies indicate that there is a hierarchy of factors acting upon successive differentiation stages of progenitors. Endotoxin appears to be a major modulator of myeloid growth factor production. Other inhibitors of myelopoiesis are also discussed. Regulation of myelopoiesis therefore involves a balance between growth factor production and inhibition by other factors.