Human IL-3 and GM-CSF act synergistically in stimulating hematopoiesis in primates.

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a member of a family of growth factors, each of which supports the proliferation and development of hematopoietic precursors in culture. Although the biologic effects of the different hematopoietic growth factors have been well documented in different culture systems, it has only recently become possible to study the activities of these molecules in vivo. In comparison with the later acting hematopoietic growth factors granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, IL-3 elicited a delayed and relatively modest leukocytosis when continuously infused intravenously in primates. The IL-3 infusion, however, greatly potentiated the responsiveness of the animal to subsequent administration of a low dose of GM-CSF. These results suggest that IL-3 expands an early cell population in vivo that subsequently requires the action of a later acting factor such as GM-CSF to complete its development. Optimal stimulation of hematopoiesis may be achieved with combinations of hematopoietic growth factors.