GM-CSF acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a key growth factor produced by several immune cells such as macrophages and activated T cells. In this review, we discuss recent studies that point to the crucial role of GM-CSF in the immune response against infections. Upon induction, GM-CSF activates four main signalling networks including the JAK/STAT, PI3K, MAPK, and NFκB pathways. Many of these transduction pathways such as JAK/STAT signal via proteins commonly activated with other antiviral signalling cascades, such as those induced by IFNs.

GM-CSF also helps defend against respiratory infections by regulating alveolar macrophage differentiation and enhancing innate immunity in the lungs. Here, we also summarize the numerous clinical trials that have taken advantage of GM-CSF’s mechanistic attributes in immunotherapy. Moreover, we discuss how GM-CSF is used as an adjuvant in vaccines and how its activity is interfered with to reduce inflammation such as in the case of COVID-19. This review brings forth the current knowledge on the antiviral actions of GM-CSF, the associated signalling cascades, and its application in immunotherapy.

GM-CSF 是一种促炎细胞因子，也是巨噬细胞和活化 T 细胞等多种免疫细胞产生的关键生长因子。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了最近的研究，这些研究指出 GM-CSF 在针对感染的免疫反应中的关键作用。诱导后，GM-CSF 激活四种主要信号网络，包括 JAK/STAT、PI3K、MAPK 和 NFκB 通路。许多这些转导途径，如 JAK/STAT 信号，通过通常与其他抗病毒信号级联激活的蛋白质一起激活，如 IFN 诱导的信号级联。

GM-CSF 还通过调节肺泡巨噬细胞分化和增强肺部先天免疫力来帮助抵御呼吸道感染。在这里，我们还总结了利用 GM-CSF 在免疫治疗中的机制属性的众多临床试验。此外，我们讨论了 GM-CSF 如何用作疫苗的佐剂，以及如何干扰其活性以减少炎症，例如 COVID-19。本综述介绍了有关 GM-CSF 抗病毒作用、相关信号级联及其在免疫治疗中的应用的最新知识。