Granulocyte and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors in allografts: Uses, misuses, misconceptions, and future applications

When G-CSF is given to the recipient as prophylaxis, the levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor-α increase, which aggravates GVHD. When it is given to the donor, G-CSF polarizes T cells to produce T-helper cell-2 cytokines, which reduce GVHD after transplantation. G-CSF has no effect on relapse. Available findings suggest that there is no indication to use G-CSF as prophylaxis after ASCT.