The Ig-like domain of human GM-CSF receptor α plays a critical role in cytokine binding and receptor activation

Abstract

GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor) is an important mediator of inducible haemopoiesis and inflammation, and has a critical role in the function of alveolar macrophages. Its clinical applications include the mobilization of haemopoietic progenitors, and a role as an immune stimulant and vaccine adjuvant in cancer patients. GM-CSF signals via a specific α receptor (GM-CSFRα) and the shared hβc (human common β-subunit). The present study has investigated the role of the Ig-like domain of GM-CSFRα in GM-CSF binding and signalling. Deletion of the Ig-like domain abolished direct GMCSF binding and decreased growth signalling in the presence of hβc. To locate the specific res..