title: [Hematopoietic growth factors: general presentation].
abstract: Modern molecular haematology is characterized by the great strides made in the use of cytokines, especially haematopoïetic growth factors (HGFs). These factors constitute a heterogeneous group of molecules that ensure the survival, proliferation and differentiation of the haematopoïetic cells. Present detailed knowledge of the structure of the chief HGFs and their receptors, and of the cloning and sequencing of their genes, permits the use of genetic engineering to produce recombinant human growth factors whose therapeutic applications have raised very great hopes for clinical haematology. However, it should not be forgotten that these HGFs, which are very costly, are powerful two-edged weapons capable of triggering a cascade of reactions, and have a field of activity that often goes beyond the single highly specific property which it is hoped they possess. The risks and costs of their use are currently being evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Hématologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques de Paris V, Paris.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Guillosson
mesh_terms: D006410:Hematopoiesis; D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016184:Receptors, Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; D016184:Receptors, Colony-Stimulating Factor