Orthologs of macrophage migration inhibitory factor from parasitic nematodes.
Chronic helminth infections are associated with modulation of host cellular immune responses, presumably to prolong parasite survival within the mammalian host. This phenomenon is attributed, at least in part, to the elaboration of parasite molecules, including orthologs of host cytokines and receptors, at the host-parasite interface. This review describes recent progress in the characterization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) orthologs from parasitic nematodes. The roles of these molecules in parasite developmental biology and pathogenesis are discussed. Further knowledge of the species-specific activities and three-dimensional structures of human and parasitic nematode MIF molecules should make them ideal targets for drug- and/or vaccine-based strategies aimed at nematode disease control.
Vermeire
Jon J
JJ
Department of Pediatrics, Yale Child Health Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. jon.vermeire@yale.edu
Cho
Yoonsang
Y
Lolis
Elias
E
Bucala
Richard
R
Cappello
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D009348:Nematoda / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology
D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors