GM-CSF: A regulatory molecule for NK activity in the bone marrow

Abstract

Abstract : The regulation of myeloid proliferation, differentiation and activation by granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been recognized. However, the role of GM-CSF in NK proliferation and activation is unclear even through NK cells have been shown to synthesize and secrete GM-CSF. The activation of peripheral blood NK cells and their development from precursors in the bone marrow (BM) are suggested to be regulated by multiple factors. We have shown that in vivo administration of GM-CSF to normal monkeys resulted in a latent enhancement of peripheral blood NK activity, with no measurable change during the administration period. These suggested that GM-CSF treatment had an effect on NK cell development in the BM. To evaluate this possibility, we characterized the NK cell populations in the BM of normal primates during and after GM-CSF treatment. Reprints.