Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

07:42
Non-invasive Imaging of Leukocyte Homing and Migration in vivo
Published on: December 6, 2010
Human leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) increases polymorphonuclear cell endocytosis
M A Cortés-Castillo1, L Favila-Castillo
1Departamento de Inmunologia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, México, D.F.
Summary
Leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) enhances the ability of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells to engulf yeast particles. This finding suggests LIF plays a role in modulating immune cell endocytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) is a cytokine produced by activated lymphocytes.
- The precise role of LIF in modulating immune cell function, particularly phagocytosis, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of purified leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) on the endocytic activity of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells.
- To determine if LIF enhances yeast uptake by PMN cells.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of supernatants from Concanavalin-A activated human lymphocytes containing LIF.
- Fractionation of supernatants using Sephadex G-100 chromatography.
- Assay of LIF activity using a yeast endocytosis model with human PMN cells.
- Inhibition studies using N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, a specific LIF blocker.
Main Results:
- A specific fraction containing high LIF activity was isolated from activated lymphocyte supernatants.
- This LIF-containing fraction significantly increased the number of endocytic PMN cells by approximately 80%.
- The observed enhancement of endocytosis was specific to LIF and blocked by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) demonstrably enhances the endocytic capacity of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells.
- LIF may play a crucial role in regulating phagocytic immune responses.

