GM-CSF was initially characterized as a factor that can support the in vitro colony formation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. It is also a growth factor for erythroid, megakaryocyte, and eosinophil progenitors. GM-CSF is produced by a number of different cell types (including T cells, B cells, macrophages, mast cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes) in response to cytokine or inflammatory stimuli. On mature hematopoietic cells, GM-CSF is a survival factor for and activates the effector functions of granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and eosinophils (1, 2). GM-CSF promotes a Th1 biased immune response, angiogenesis, allergic inflammation, and the development of autoimmunity (3 - 5). It shows clinical effectiveness in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and GM-CSF transfected tumor cells are utilized as cancer vaccines (6, 7). The 22 kDa glycosylated GM-CSF, similar to IL-3 and IL-5, is a cytokine with a core of four bundled α-helices (8 - 10). Mature mouse GM-CSF shares 49% - 54% amino acid sequence identity with canine, feline, human, and porcine GM-CSF and 69% with rat GM-CSF. GM-CSF exerts its biological effects through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of GM-CSF Rα/CD116 and the signal transducing common β chain (CD131) which is also a component of the high-affinity receptors for IL-3 and IL-5 (11, 12). In addition, GM-CSF binds a naturally occurring soluble form of GM-CSF Rα (13). The activity of GM-CSF is species specific between human and mouse. Mouse GM-CSF is only weakly active on rat cells, although rat GM-CSF is fully active on mouse cells (14, 15).
We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute in sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer containing 0.1% BSA to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. Stock solutions should be apportioned into working aliquots and stored at <-20