The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was initially classified as a hematopoietic growth factor. Instead, in inflammation, GM-CSF serves as a network of communication between tissue-invading lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Even though lymphocytes are in all likelihood the instigators of chronic inflammatory disease, GM-CSF-activated phagocytes are equipped to cause tissue damage [1].
1. Becher B, Tugues S, Greter M. GM-CSF: From Growth Factor to Central Mediator of Tissue Inflammation. Immunity. 2016;45(5):963-973. doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2016.10.026