MIF Antibody

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with significant roles in immune responses, inflammation, and tissue homeostasis. Initially identified in 1966 by Bloom and David, MIF was one of the first cytokines described . It is known for its ability to inhibit the random migration of macrophages, hence its name .

MIF is a small protein that functions as a cytokine, chaperone, and enzyme . It is involved in various cellular processes, including promotion of cellular survival, antioxidant signaling, and wound repair . MIF is overexpressed in several types of human cancers, and its inhibition can restore anticancer immune responses in tumor microenvironments .

MIF plays a crucial role in modulating the innate immune response. It enhances macrophage functions such as adherence, spreading, phagocytosis, and tumoricidal activity . MIF also acts as a negative regulator of the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids, further emphasizing its role in inflammation .

Given its involvement in various pathological conditions, MIF has been a target for therapeutic interventions. For instance, recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis delivering a fusion protein of human MIF and interleukin 7 (IL-7) has shown anticancer effects by inducing an immune response against MIF in tumor-bearing mouse models . This approach highlights the potential of targeting MIF in cancer therapy.