Growth factors in hematology

: New experimental findings on the mutual regulation of growth, differentiation and function of human blood cells by growth factors offer the opportunity to use these factors in the treatment of haematological diseases. The hitherto known growth factors are divided into four basic groups: 1. haematopoietic growth factors proper [multi-CSF (IL-3), GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, erythropoietin, lymphopoietin (IL-7) and megakaryopoietin (IL-11)], 2. cytokines (IL-1 to IL-11, TFN)., 3. other growth factors (PDGF, FGF, MGF) and 4. so-called negative regulators of haematopoiesis (IFN, MIP, TGF beta and IL-10), some of which support the differentiation of stem cells. Before growth factors can be routinely used in clinical work, it is essential to acquire closer knowledge of their interrelations, the activity of their receptors and natural or acquired inhibitors in vivo.