Colony stimulating factors in the nervous system. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chitu, Violeta; Biundo, Fabrizio; Stanley, E. Richard
• Is Part Of: Seminars in immunology. Volume 54(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: CSF-1 -- IL-34 -- CSF-1R -- GM-CSF -- G-CSF -- Microglia; Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology -- Periodicals; Immunity -- Periodicals; Immunologie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-5323

Abstract

Highlights: CSFs regulate the development, survival and/or function of microglia. CSF-1R signaling is required for the development and maintenance of CNS microglia. Studies in Csf1r +/− mice suggest a role for the CSF-1R in microglial homeostasis. At steady-state, GM-CSF and G-CSF mainly regulate microglial functions. CSFs and their receptors are therapeutic targets in several neurological diseases. Abstract: Although traditionally seen as regulators of hematopoiesis, colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have emerged as important players in the nervous system, both in health and disease. This review summarizes the cellular sources, patterns of expression and physiological roles of the macrophage (CSF-1, IL-34), granulocyte-macrophage (GM-CSF) and granulocyte (G-CSF) colony stimulating factors within the nervous system, with a particular focus on their actions on microglia. CSF-1 and IL-34, via the CSF-1R, are required for the development, proliferation and maintenance of essentially all CNS microglia in a temporal and regional specific manner. In contrast, in steady state, GM-CSF and G-CSF are mainly involved in regulation of microglial function. The alterations in expression of these growth factors and their receptors, that have been reported in several neurological diseases, are described and the outcomes of their therapeutic targeting in mouse models and humans are discussed.