Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a small, secreted protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an enzyme, influencing various immune responses. The recombinant form of MIF, particularly the human recombinant with a His tag at the C-terminus, is widely used in research to study its functions and potential therapeutic applications.
Human recombinant MIF is typically expressed in insect cells and purified to high levels of purity, often exceeding 98% as determined by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses . The recombinant protein is a 15 kDa molecule containing 124 amino acid residues, including an N-terminal His-tag . This His-tag facilitates purification and detection of the protein in various experimental setups.
MIF is known for its dual role as a cytokine and an enzyme. As a cytokine, MIF is involved in the regulation of immune responses. It is secreted by various cells, including macrophages and T cells, in response to inflammatory stimuli. MIF binds to receptors such as CD74 and CD44 on target cells, triggering the release of other pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) .
As an enzyme, MIF exhibits tautomerase activity, catalyzing the keto-enol isomerization of substrates like keto-phenylpyruvate and L-dopachrome . This enzymatic activity is dependent on its trimeric configuration and the presence of a free N-terminal proline residue .
MIF has been implicated in various diseases due to its pro-inflammatory properties. It plays a significant role in conditions such as sepsis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Elevated levels of MIF have been observed in patients with these conditions, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions .
The human recombinant MIF with a His tag at the C-terminus is a valuable tool in research. It allows scientists to study the protein’s structure, function, and interactions in detail. The His tag aids in the purification process, ensuring that high-purity protein is available for experiments. Additionally, recombinant MIF is used in assays to investigate its role in immune responses and its potential as a therapeutic target .