Recombinant human GM-CSF (E. coli) protein - Bioactive cytokine

Human GM-CSF protein - E. coli -expressed, tag-free, carrier-free

Recombinant human GM-CSF is a high-quality and biologically active cytokine, validated using proprietary GM-CSF reporter cells. This common β chain family member is produced in E. coli and thoroughly purified to remove endotoxins.

Recombinant human GM-CSF can be used together with HEK-Blue™ GM-CSF cells for the screening of inhibitory molecules, such as Mavrilimumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting the α subunit of the GM-CSF receptor (GM-CSFR) (see figures).

GM-CSF signaling and biological functions

Key features

• Each lot is validated using HEK-Blue™ GM-CSF cells
• Endotoxin < 0.01 EU/µg
• 0.2 µm sterile-filtered

Applications

• Standard for GM-CSF detection and quantification assays
• Screening and release assays for antibodies blocking GM-CSF signaling
• Screening and release assays for engineered GM-CSF

GM-CSF, also known as colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), belongs to the β-common chain cytokine family. Although originally identified as a hematopoietic growth factor, this cytokine is now regarded as a pleiotropic regulator of inflammation in response to pathogens, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

 More details

All InvivoGen products are for internal research use only, and not for human or veterinary use.

Figures

SDS-PAGE analysis of the recombinant human (h)GM-CSF. 2 μg of E. coli-derived hGM-CSF was loaded on a 12% Mini-PROTEAN® TGX Stain-Free™ Precast Gel (Bio-Rad). Detection was performed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A band was detected at ~15 kDa.

Dose-dependent inhibition of HEK-Blue™ GM-CSF cell response using Mavrilimumab biosimilar. Increasing concentrations of Anti-hGM-CSFR-hIgG4 (S228P)  (1 ng/ml - 2.5 µg/ml) were incubated with HEK‑Blue™ GM-CSF cells for 1 hour before the addition of recombinant human GM-CSF (100 pg/ml). After overnight incubation, SEAP activity in the cell culture supernatant was assessed using QUANTI-Blue™ Solution. Data are shown as the percentage of activity (mean ± SEM).

Specifications

Source: E. coli

Species: Human

Alternative names: Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2)

Carrier: Carrier-free

Tag: Tag-free

Accession number: P04141

Molecular weight: ~ 15 kDa (SDS-PAGE)

Solubility: 100 μg/ml in water

Formulation: Phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4), 8% trehalose

Form: Lyophilized

Reconstitution buffer: Endotoxin-free water (provided)

Purity: ≥95% (SDS-PAGE)

Endotoxin: The absence of bacterial contamination (e.g. lipoproteins and endotoxins) has been confirmed using HEK-Blue™ TLR2 and HEK‑Blue™ TLR4 cells.

Tested applications: Cellular assays

Quality control: Each lot is functionally tested and validated.

Contents

Recombinant human GM-CSF is provided as a lyophilized powder and is available in two quantities:

• rcyec-hgmcsf: 20 μg 
• rcyec-hgmcsf-5: 100 μg (5 x 20 μg)
• 1.5 ml endotoxin-free water for rcyec-hgmcsf and rcyec-hgmcsf-5

 Recombinant human GM-CSF is shipped at room temperature.

Upon receipt, the product should be stored at -20°C.

 Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Details

GM-CSF background

The granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), also known as colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), belongs to the β-common chain cytokine family [1]. It promotes the differentiation, activation, and survival of cells from the myeloid compartment, notably macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils [2, 3]. Although originally identified as a hematopoietic growth factor, this cytokine is now regarded as a pleiotropic regulator of inflammation in response to pathogens, autoimmune diseases, and cancer [2,4]. 

GM-CSF signalization requires a multimeric structure comprising four α chains (GMRα, aka CD116), four β chains (GMRβ, CD131), and four cytokines. This 12-protein complex allows the juxtaposition of the intracellular Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) [1]. Other signaling pathways include ERK, NF-κB, and AKT pathways [1, 5]. The understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby GM-CSF exerts its varied functions is key for the development of therapeutic strategies (e.g. cancer vaccines, blocking antibodies) [1].  

Mavrilimumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the alpha subunit of the granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (GM-CSFR), effectively blocking GM-CSF signaling [2]. As of June 2025,  Mavrilimumab (CAM-3001) is not yet FDA-approved. It is still under clinical investigation for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) [3, 6]. 

References:

1. Dougan M. et al., 2019. GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5 family of cytokines: regulators of inflammation. Immunity. 50(4):796-811.
2. Burmester GR, et al., 2011. Mavrilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting GM-CSF receptor-α, in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I, first-in-human study. Ann Rheum Dis. ;70(9):1542-9.
3. Burmester GR, et al. 2017. A randomised phase IIb study of mavrilimumab, a novel GM-CSF receptor alpha monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 76(6):1020-1030.
4. Zhan Y. et al., 2019. The Pleiotropic Effects of the GM-CSF Rheostat on Myeloid Cell Differentiation and Function: More Than a Numbers Game. Front Immunol. 102679.
5. Hamilton J.A., 2020. GM-CSF in inflammation. J. Exp . Med. 217(1):e20190945.
6. Cid MC, et al., 2022. Efficacy and safety of mavrilimumab in giant cell arteritis: a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 May;81(5):653-661.