Activation of macrophage tumoricidal activity by granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor.

摘要

Macrophages and precursor monocytes are activated to exhibit tumoricidal activity by stimulation solely with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. A patient suffering from tumors can be treated by direct administration of therapeutically effective quantities of activated granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. Homogeneous granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor for use in activating macrophages and monocyte precursors is prepared by recombinant DNA techniques. The gene coding for granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor is isolated and then recombinant protein product expressed in an appropriate expression system. The granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor recovered from the expression system is purified to homogeneity by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography.