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colony-stimulating factor
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colony-stimulating factor

biochemistry
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Also known as: CSF
Written by
Kara Rogers
Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and...
Kara Rogers
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Top Questions

What are colony-stimulating factors?

What types of cells produce colony-stimulating factors?

What are the different types of colony-stimulating factors and their functions?

How are colony-stimulating factors used in medical treatments?

colony-stimulating factor (CSF), any of a group of naturally occurring proteins that play a vital role in the formation and regulation of blood cells. Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) specifically target hematopoietic stem cells (precursors of blood cells) in the bone marrow, encouraging them to differentiate into mature white blood cells, which help the body respond to infection and inflammation. Owing to their immune-stimulating effects, CSFs have become powerful tools in the treatment of certain diseases, particularly cancer.

CSFs are part of a broader class of molecules known as cytokines—proteins that facilitate communication between cells, particularly within the immune system. They are produced by various cells, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and bone marrow stromal cells (a type of supportive cell in the bone marrow).

Types of colony-stimulating factors

There are several types of CSFs, each responsible for stimulating the production of specific kinds of white blood cells. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes the development of neutrophils, which are essential to fighting bacterial infections. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulates the production of both granulocytes and monocytes, the latter of which mature into macrophages that help clear pathogens and debris from tissues. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) primarily encourages the formation and function of monocytes and macrophages. In addition, a molecule sometimes referred to as multi-CSF, more widely known as interleukin-3 (IL-3), acts on a broader range of blood cell types, supporting the growth of red cells, white cells, and platelets. IL-3 works by binding to specific receptors on stem cells in the bone marrow to guide their development.

Medical relevance

CSFs have significant medical importance, particularly for patients whose immune systems have been compromised by disease or specific treatments. They are most commonly used in cancer care to help patients recover from the bone marrow-suppressing effects of chemotherapy, which can lead to neutropenia (dangerously low white blood cell counts). CSFs are also used to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream for collection before a bone marrow transplant.

Kara Rogers