Role of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in the Immune Response to Acute Bacterial Infection in the Nonneutropenic Host: An Overview

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates the production and potentiates the function of neutrophils. Studies of animals and patients have shown that levels of G-CSF increase in response to certain types of acute bacterial infection; for example, levels of this factor increase in the lungs and in serum during pneumonia. Investigations of several nonneutropenic animal models of severe bacterial infection have indicated that exogenous recombinant G-CSF--either alone or in combination with antibiotics--can significantly enhance host defenses and improve rates of survival. Trials of recombinant G-CSF for the prevention or treatment of serious infection in clinical settings have recently been initiated.