Macrophage migration inhibitory factor-CD74 axis drives vascular smooth muscle cell-induced M1 macrophage polarization to exacerbate intracranial aneurysm inflammation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) develop and progress through pathological processes, including inflammation and abnormal changes in the vascular structure. The cytokine Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is implicated in the pathology of vascular diseases. However, the role of MIF in IAs remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Transcriptomic data from IA and normal arteries were analyzed to quantify MIF expression and immune infiltration (CIBERSORT). Methylation sequencing assessed MIF promoter methylation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) defined secretory vascular smooth muscle cell (sVSMC) and M1-like macrophage proportions and MIF expression. Intercellular communication via the MIF-CD74 axis was evaluated using CellChat. In vitro functional exper

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689327 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature