Cunning factor: macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a redox-regulated target.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has an amazing history of rediscoveries and controversies surroundings its true biological function. It has been classified as a powerful cytokine capable of inducing tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, PGE2 along with its ability to override glucocorticoid activity in relation to TNF-alpha release from monocytes. However, our recent study has failed to reproduce findings on MIF as a factor with cytokine-inducing properties but it has confirmed that MIF is capable of inducing glucocorticoid-counter regulating activity and amplifying LPS-driven cytokine responses. The aim of this review is to analyse the plethora of data surrounding MIF not just as a cytokine, but also as a hormone-like molecule, enzyme with atypical properties and as a thioredoxin-like protein to address fundamental questions about MIF functionality.
Kudrin
Alex
A
Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. alexkudrin@aol.com
Ray
David
D
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000201:enzymology; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D019163:Reducing Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors; D019163:Reducing Agents; D000082:Acetaminophen; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases