The beta common chain (βc) of the granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interleukin-3 and interleukin-5 receptors

Abstract

The hematopoietic cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), Interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-3 utilise a common receptor signalling molecule, the β common chain (βc). This shared receptor component explains, in part the overlapping actions of these cytokines. Mice lacking βc have a low circulating eosinophil level, have impaired eosinophilic responses to parasitic infection and develop lung disease analagous to human pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Surprisingly however, mature hematopoietic cell function is relatively intact, although all GM-CSF-mediated mature cell responses, including glucose transport are absent. Intriguing observations suggesting altered suscept..