The Role of MIF in Parasitic Infections

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic molecule with extensive reach and numerous important roles in shaping the immune response to a large variety of infections and inflammatory diseases. MIF was first identified as a factor capable of preventing random macrophage migration in vitro in 1966 (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 56(1):72–77, 1966; Science 153(3731):80–82, 1966). Subsequent efforts to characterize the function of MIF have shown that the roles of this molecule extend far beyond the purview of macrophage migration and into antigen-specific responses (Cell Immunol 1:133–145, 1970) macrophage activation and survival (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99(1):345–350, 2002), modulation of glucocorticoid activity to promote inflammation (Ann N Y Acad Sci 210–220, 1999; Nature 377(6544):68–71, 1995), T cell activation (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 93(15):7849–7854, 1996), and macrophage phagocytosis (Immunology 92(1):131–137, 1997). MIF also is involved in the coordination between the innate and adaptive immune response. Due to the sheer number of functions performed by MIF during the immune response, its role during parasitic infections has come under increased scrutiny. Interestingly, MIF has been found to be a critical mediator of immunity against a broad range of parasite infections. Here we summarize the findings relevant to the role of MIF during parasitic infections.

†Cesar Terrazas and James C. Stock are equal contributors.