Recombinant hemopoietic growth factors. Molecular cloning and potential therapeutic applications.

In analogy with data obtained from other mammalian species it appears that the majority of physiologically relevant human hemopoietic growth factors (e.g. erythropoietin and colony stimulating factors) has been characterized in biological systems, defined by biochemical methods and manufactured by molecular cloning of the corresponding genetic elements and expression in suitable biological systems. A review of the present situation of production of recombinant hemopoietic growth factors is presented and potential therapeutic applications of these factors will be discussed. In addition some preliminary clinical results, due to the medical application of recombinant hemopoietic growth factors, will be described.