MIF

First identified as a T cell-derived lymphokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) contributes to delayed hypersensitivity. MIF exerts a variety of biologic functions. MIF enhances adherence, phagocytosis, the tumoricidal activity and the induction of nitric oxide production. In addition, MIF expression is found in a number of cells other than activated T cells, indicating its involvement beyond the immune system in a variety of pathophysiologic states. MIF has been evaluated as a unique cytokine. It is released from monocytes/macrophages in response to glucocorticoids and can counter-regulate the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids on the production of other inflammatory cytokines. MIF has also been suggested to be the initial inflammatory mediator to stimulate the expression of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1 and IL-6.
Other than inflammatory and immunologic functions, MIF plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Regarding tumorigenesis, the elevated transcriptional level of MIF has been identified in prostatic lymph node metastases and ductal breast carcinoma. MIF also plays a role in tumor growth and neovascularization based on the result of lymphoma cells, melanoma cells and colon cancer cells. Consistently, MIF has the potential to suppress the action of the tumor suppressor gene, leading to cell growth.
Entrez Gene ID: 4282
UniProt ID: P14174