MIF, MIF alleles, and prospects for therapeutic intervention in autoimmunity.

ABSTRACT: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an innate cytokine whose main actions include counter-regulating the immunosuppressive action of glucocorticoids and inhibiting activation-induced apoptosis. MIF is encoded in a functionally polymorphic locus and human genetic studies have shown significant relationships between high-expression MIF alleles, host inflammatory responses, and improved clinical outcome from infections. A recently completed candidate gene association study in the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) indicates that individuals with a high-expression MIF allele have reduced incidence of SLE. Among patients with established disease however, those with end-organ complications have increased frequency of high-expression MIF alleles. Plasma MIF levels a

SUBMITTER: Bucala R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3548018 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature