[MIF in head and neck cancer: a new therapeutic target ?]

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is a critical proinflammatory cytokine produced by cells of innate and adaptive immune system. MIF plays a key role in cell cycle regulation and in the pathogenesis of many cancers. Recently, MIF has been studied in the upper aerodigestive tract cancer for its involvement in tumor progression, invasion, proliferation and cell motility. In addition, MIF appears to be a mediator in angiogenesis and in the development of metastasis and locoregional lymph node, which are often associated with a poor prognosis. The mechanisms of action responsible for MIF involvement in tumor progression are not completely elucidated. However, the main effects of MIF are mediated by the CD74 receptor. MIF binding to its receptor is responsible for the activation of several signaling pathways (ERK1/2 - MAPK, JAB1 - CSN5, PI3K - Akt), the inhibition of p53 and the stimulation of angiogenic factors including VEGF and IL-8. The overexpression of MIF also causes a reduction of the anti-tumor activity of the immune system. Finally, MIF could be an interesting biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of upper aerodigestive tract cancers. In this paper, we assess the state of knowledge of MIF involvement in upper aero-digestive tract cancers and we analyze the therapeutic perspectives.