title: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF): a key player in protozoan infections.
abstract: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by the pituitary gland and multiple cell types, including macrophages (Mø), dendritic cells (DC) and T-cells. Upon releases MIF modulates the expression of several inflammatory molecules, such as TNF-α, nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). These important MIF characteristics have prompted investigators to study its role in parasite infections. Several reports have demonstrated that MIF plays either a protective or deleterious role in the immune response to different pathogens. Here, we review the role of MIF in the host defense response to some important protozoan infections.
authors: Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-UNAM, 54090 Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México.
authors: Juan de Dios
authors: Jde D
authors: Rosado
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Rodriguez-Sosa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D018320:Leishmania major / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018336:Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors; D018336:Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon