The macrophage migration inhibitory factor-glucocorticoid dyad: regulation of inflammation and immunity.
The cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) occupies a unique position in physiology by its ability to directly regulate the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids. We review herein the interactions between MIF and glucocorticoids within the immune system and discuss the relevance of the MIF-glucocorticoid regulatory dyad in physiology and immunopathology. Therapeutic antagonism of MIF may be an effective approach for steroid-sparing therapies in patients with refractory autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
Flaster
Harry
H
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
Bernhagen
Jürgen
J
Calandra
Thierry
T
Bucala
Richard
R
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000378:metabolism*; D007109:Immunity; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors