An atypical atherogenic chemokine that promotes advanced atherosclerosis and hepatic lipogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. It is a lipid-triggered and cytokine/chemokine-driven arterial inflammatory condition. We identify D-dopachrome tautomerase/macrophage migration-inhibitory factor-2 (MIF-2), a paralog of the cytokine MIF, as an atypical chemokine promoting both atherosclerosis and hepatic lipid accumulation. In hyperlipidemic Apoe^-/- mice, Mif-2-deficiency and pharmacological MIF-2-blockade protect against lesion formation and vascular inflammation in early and advanced atherogenesis. MIF-2 promotes leukocyte migration, endothelial arrest, and foam-cell formation, and we identify CXCR4 as a receptor for MIF-2. Mif-2-deficiency in Apoe^-/- mice leads to decreased plasma lipid levels and suppressed hepa

SUBMITTER: El Bounkari O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889166 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature