Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor: A Multifunctional Cytokine in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was originally identified in the culture medium of activated T lymphocytes as a soluble factor that inhibited the random migration of macrophages. MIF is now recognized to be a multipotent cytokine involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, the pivotal nature of its involvement highlights the importance of MIF to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders and suggests that blocking MIF may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating these diseases. This paper discusses the function and expressional regulation of MIF in several rheumatic diseases and related conditions.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promotes cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease

“…MIF was originally identified as a soluble factor in the culture medium of activated T lymphocytes that inhibited the random migration of macrophages. In addition to T lymphocytes, MIF is also expressed and secreted by other cell populations, including macrophages/monocytes (9,10), endothelial cells (ECs) (11), epithelial cells (12), smooth muscle cells (13), synovial fibroblasts (14), and anterior pituitary cells (14). In adults, the predominant sites of MIF expression are the proliferating and differentiating epithelial linings of various organs (15).…”

An MIF Promoter Polymorphism Is Associated with Susceptibility to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

“…As a cytokine, MIF induces the expression and secretion of several immune mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) [23]. Increased levels of IL-6 have been described in serum and lungs of idiopathic PAH patients and those with dcSSc compared to lcSSc [24,25], and IL-6 has a proved effect on the generation and development of PAH in vivo [24].…”

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor –173GC Variant Might Increase the Risk of Behçet’s Disease

“…Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a crucial proinflammatory cytokine with a strong modulatory impact on immune and inflammatory responses [4]. MIF is produced in response to various stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide, proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and hypoxia [4].…”

“…MIF is produced in response to various stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide, proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and hypoxia [4]. The MIF gene (Genebank GeneID: 307284) is located in chromosome 22q11.2 in humans [5].…”