Regulation of granulocyte apoptosis by hemopoietic growth factors, cytokines and drugs: potential relevance to allergic inflammation.

Abstract

It has become apparent that the resolution of inflammation depends on the removal of unwanted inflammatory cells, a process governed by physiological apoptosis and non-inflammatory clearance of apoptotic cells. Granulocytes are central to many of the pathophysiological consequences of uncontrolled inflammatory reactions. Hemopoietic factors and cytokines play a critical role in regulating the longevity of these cells in vitro and in vivo. Here we review the progress that has been made in the understanding of granulocyte apoptosis and the implications for immunotherapy and pharmacological strategies in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases for therapeutic gain.