The role of growth-factor receptors (excluding IL-2 receptors) in the proliferation and differentiation of normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells.

Receptors (R) are considered as allosteric enzymes whose action on metabolic chains is modulated through binding to the ligand. They play an essential role in the transduction of the multiple signals (e.g. interleukins or CSF) which intervene in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Their ordered interactions are necessary to regulate the growth and differentiation of normal hematopoietic precursors. This paper summarizes recent data concerning the structure-action relationship of growth-factor receptors in the signal transduction and alterations of growth-factor receptors which may play an important role in leukemic transformation. Some therapeutic modulations of growth-factors cascades are also discussed.