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Autoimmune diseases: MIF as a therapeutic target
Dorothee Greven1, Lin Leng, Richard Bucala
1Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands. d.e.greven@amc.uva.nl
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|February 13, 2010
Summary
Targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) offers a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune inflammatory diseases. MIF antagonism may provide a steroid-sparing treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autoimmune inflammatory diseases are prevalent and often managed with non-curative treatments focused on suppressing inflammation.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key cytokine implicated in the development of various autoimmune inflammatory disorders.
- Targeting MIF presents a novel therapeutic avenue for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of MIF-directed therapies for autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
- To discuss the efficacy of MIF inhibition based on recent literature (past 10 years).
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on MIF-directed therapies.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies investigating MIF inhibition.
Main Results:
- MIF inhibition demonstrates efficacy in experimental and preclinical models of autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
- The regulatory link between MIF and glucocorticoids suggests MIF antagonism as a potential steroid-sparing approach for refractory autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- MIF antagonism, using small molecules or antibodies, is anticipated to be widely applicable in treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
- Patient MIF genotype may inform the personalized application of MIF-targeted therapies.
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