Influence of growth hormone on the function of immune system

Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted primarily by the somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland. It can act on varieties of immune organs or immune cells to exert immunomodulatory effect. In the innate immune system, GH can enhance the immunological activity of macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells. In the adaptive immune system, GH can increase the migratory capacity of thymocytes, promote the modulation of thymocyte subsets and impact the development of the spleen and B lymphocytes. In addition, GH can influence the inflammatory state, prevent the inflammatory joint destruction in the collagen-induced arthritis. Moreover, low-dose GH therapy has beneficial effects on the immune system of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Therefore, GH, as an important immunoregulatory factor, is expected to become a potential therapy for the infectious diseases, immunodeficiency or immune dysfunction. Key words: Growth hormone; Immune system; Innate immunity; Adaptive immunity; Inflammation