Isolation of a granulocyte colony inhibitory factor derived from human polymorphonuclear neutrophils

An inhibitory factor obtained from mature human granulocytes which suppresses granulocyte and monocyte-macrophage colony formation by an action on the endogenous colony stimulating factor-producing cells has been partially purified and characterized. The methods for purification consisted of a combination of ultracentrifugation, DEAE-Sephadex chromatography, SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. The material had a molecular weight range of 102--128 000 and an isoelectric point between pH 6.2 and 6.4. The inhibitory factor was found to be heat stable and glycoprotein in nature.