Title | The non-mammalian MIF superfamily. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | Sparkes, A., P. De Baetselier, K. Roelants, C. De Trez, S. Magez, J. A. Van Ginderachter, G. Raes, R. Bucala, and B. Stijlemans |
Journal | Immunobiology |
Date Published | 2016 Oct 12 |
ISSN | 1878-3279 |
Abstract | Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was first described as a cytokine 50 years ago, and emerged in mammals as a pleiotropic protein with pro-inflammatory, chemotactic, and growth-promoting activities. In addition, MIF has gained substantial attention as a pivotal upstream mediator of innate and adaptive immune responses and with pathologic roles in several diseases. Of less importance in mammals is an intrinsic but non-physiologic enzymatic activity that points to MIF's evolution from an ancient defense molecule. Therefore, it is not surprising that mif-like genes also have been found across a range of different organisms including bacteria, plants, ‎protozoa, helminths, molluscs, arthropods, fish, amphibians and birds. While Genebank analysis identifying mif-like genes across species is extensive, contained herein is an overview of the non-mammalian MIF-like proteins that have been most well studied experimentally. For many of these organisms, MIF contributes to an innate defense system or plays a role in development. For parasitic organisms however, MIF appears to function as a virulence factor aiding in the establishment or persistence of infection by modulating the host immune response. Consequently, a combined targeting of both parasitic and host MIF could lead to more effective treatment strategies for parasitic diseases of socioeconomic importance. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.10.006 |
Alternate Journal | Immunobiology |
PubMed ID | 27780588 |
Grant List | R01 AI042310 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States R01 AI110452 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States |
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