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The emerging role of MIF in septic shock and infection

J Bernhagen1, T Calandra, R Bucala

  • 1Picower Institute for Medical Research, Manhassett, New York 11030, USA.

Biotherapy (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a newly identified pituitary hormone and pro-inflammatory cytokine. MIF is crucial in endotoxic shock and the host

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The protein mediator macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been recently identified as a novel pituitary hormone.
  • MIF is also recognized as a pro-inflammatory cytokine derived from macrophages.
  • Its dual role suggests significant implications in various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of MIF in biological systems.
  • To investigate MIF's involvement in inflammatory responses and hormonal functions.
  • To highlight emerging research on MIF's significance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and studies on MIF.
  • Analysis of experimental data implicating MIF in endotoxic shock.
  • Examination of MIF's role in host responses to infections.

Main Results:

  • MIF functions as both a pituitary hormone and a macrophage-derived cytokine.
  • Emerging evidence demonstrates MIF's critical role in endotoxic shock.
  • MIF is implicated in the host's response to diverse acute and chronic infections.

Conclusions:

  • MIF possesses a dual identity as a hormone and a cytokine.
  • MIF is a key mediator in inflammatory conditions like endotoxic shock.
  • Further research into MIF is essential for understanding host defense mechanisms.

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