Rat recombinant MIF (rrMIF) is produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 115 amino acids. It has a molecular mass of approximately 12.5 kDa . The recombinant form is used in research to study its biological functions and potential therapeutic applications.
MIF is involved in several key biological processes:
Immune Response: MIF is a critical mediator in the immune system. It is released by macrophages and T cells in response to physiological concentrations of glucocorticoids, counteracting their anti-inflammatory effects . This makes MIF a unique cytokine that can modulate the immune response during stress.
Inflammation: MIF induces the production of various proinflammatory molecules, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases by promoting inflammation and angiogenesis .
Endotoxic Shock: MIF has been identified as a key player in endotoxic shock, a severe inflammatory response to bacterial endotoxins. It is secreted by the pituitary gland and macrophages, contributing to the systemic inflammatory response .
Research on MIF has expanded our understanding of its role in various diseases and potential therapeutic applications:
Spinal Cord Injury: Studies have shown that MIF facilitates the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and chemokine CCL5 in astrocytes following spinal cord injury. This helps tune the inflammatory milieu and maintain homeostasis in the central nervous system .
Therapeutic Target: Due to its involvement in inflammation and immune response, MIF is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.