GM-CSF as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been known as a hematopoietic growth factor and immune modulator. Recent studies revealed that GM-CSF also had pro-inflammatory functions and contributed to the pathogenicity of Th17 cells in the development of Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. GM-CSF inhibition in some animal models of autoimmune diseases showed significant beneficial effects. Therefore, several agents targeting GM-CSF are being developed and are expected to be a useful strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Particularly, in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, GM-CSF inhibition showed rapid and significant efficacy with no serious side effects. This article summarizes recent findings of GM-CSF and information of clinical trials targeting GM-CSF in autoimmune diseases.

• Authors: Aoi Shiomi, Takashi Usui, Tsuneyo Mimori
• Journal: Inflammation and regeneration (Inflamm Regen) Vol. 36 Pg. 8 ( 2016) ISSN: 1880-9693 [Print] England
• PMID: 29259681 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)