Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor in virus-host interactions and its implication for immunotherapy

Viruses have evolved to strategically exploit cellular signaling pathways to evade host immune defenses. GM-CSF signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammation, activating myeloid cells, and enhancing the immune response to infections. Due to its central role in the immune system, viruses may target this pathway to further establish infection. This review focuses on key studies elucidating virus interactions with GM-CSF signaling proteins and summarizes findings on the impact of viral infections on GM-CSF production. Additionally, therapeutic strategies centered around GM-CSF are investigated, such as the potential benefits of administering GM-CSF versus inhibiting GM-CSF signaling to mitigate viral-induced aberrant inflammation. Understanding these virus-host interactions provides valuable insights that help further our understanding to develop future therapeutic approaches in modulating the immune response during viral infections.