Immune disregulation of hematopoiesis.
In vitro coculture studies of normal T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, or monocytes with human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) suggest a potential role for immune cells in the regulation of hematopoiesis. In some patients with severe aplastic anemia or selective pure red cell, white cell, or megakaryocyte aplasia, activated T cells, NK cells, or monocytes mediate marrow failure by suppressing growth of HPC. Immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids, antithymocyte globulin, cyclophosphamide, or cyclosporin A may dramatically improve blood cell production in patients with marrow failure by removing or modulating immune suppressor cells.
D001855:Bone Marrow Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology