The non-mammalian MIF superfamily

Immunobiology. 2017 Mar;222(3):473-482. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.10.006. Epub 2016 Oct 12.

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was first described as a cytokine 50 years ago, and emerged in mammals as a pleiotropic protein with pro-inflammatory, chemotactic, and growth-promoting activities. In addition, MIF has gained substantial attention as a pivotal upstream mediator of innate and adaptive immune responses and with pathologic roles in several diseases. Of less importance in mammals is an intrinsic but non-physiologic enzymatic activity that points to MIF's evolution from an ancient defense molecule. Therefore, it is not surprising that mif-like genes also have been found across a range of different organisms including bacteria, plants, ‎protozoa, helminths, molluscs, arthropods, fish, amphibians and birds. While Genebank analysis identifying mif-like genes across species is extensive, contained herein is an overview of the non-mammalian MIF-like proteins that have been most well studied experimentally. For many of these organisms, MIF contributes to an innate defense system or plays a role in development. For parasitic organisms however, MIF appears to function as a virulence factor aiding in the establishment or persistence of infection by modulating the host immune response. Consequently, a combined targeting of both parasitic and host MIF could lead to more effective treatment strategies for parasitic diseases of socioeconomic importance.

Keywords: Homology; Immunity; Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF); Parasitology.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Helminths / genetics
  • Helminths / immunology
  • Helminths / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / chemistry
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / genetics*
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / metabolism*
  • Multigene Family*
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors