Article: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, often abbreviated to GM-CSF, is a protein secreted by macrophages that stimulates stem cells to produce granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and macrophages. It is thus part of the immune/inflammatory cascade, whereby activation of a small number of macrophages produces more of them in circulation.

Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor is distinct from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Also known as sargramostim when the protein is expressed in yeast cells (trademarked Leukine®), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor is used as a medication to stimulate the production of white blood cells, especially granulocytes and macrophages, following chemotherapy.

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