Current opinion in hematology
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · May 2000
ReviewUses of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in vaccine development.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a potent cytokine capable of inducing differentiation, proliferation, and activation of a variety of immunologically active cell populations. In addition to its effects on stimulating granulocytic hematopoiesis, it also facilitates development of both humoral and cellular mediated immunity. ⋯ Because of the potency of this cytokine as an immune adjuvant, particular interest has focused on its use to overcome poorly immunogenic antigens such as those associated with intracellular infections and cancer. This review focuses on recent advances in the use of GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant.