Final answer:
Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) such as G-CSF and GM-CSF are used to stimulate neutrophil production in immunocompromised patients, specifically in those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. These glycoproteins aid in the body's defense by promoting the differentiation of white blood cells, thereby improving immune system function to combat infections and assist anticancer responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
To stimulate neutrophil production in immunocompromised patients, specific drugs known as colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are administered. These glycoproteins function by triggering the differentiation of myeloblasts into various types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils important for the body’s anticancer responses and immune defense mechanisms. Granulocyte CSF (G-CSF) specifically increases neutrophil production, while granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) also stimulates the production of monocytes alongside neutrophils.
These CSFs are often administered to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to help recover their white blood cell (WBC) counts. Studies, such as those at the Polish Academy of Science, have investigated the benefits of these therapies.
In addition, leukotrienes have a role in the recruitment of phagocytes like neutrophils to the site of infection by chemotaxis. This process is vital for the immune system to mount an effective response against pathogens. The stimulation of neutrophils, alongside other immune cells like cytotoxic T cells, macrophages, and NK cells, forms a comprehensive approach to bolster the immune system especially in the face of infections or cancer treatments.