Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that induces the production of a large number of proinflammatory molecules and pituitary-derived hormone, which potentiate endotoxemia. MIF has been reported to be primarily expressed in T cells and macrophages. However, recent studies have revealed this protein to be ubiquitously expressed in various cell types, and have indicated that it has more far-reaching non-immunological role(s) in a variety of pathological states. Of note, it has become evident that MIF has a broad activity on glucocorticoid-induced immunomodulation, D-dopachrometautomerase activity, and the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MIF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of injury, such as ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). UV irradiation up-regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines, and the UV-induced increase in MMPs in dermal fibroblasts is mediated in part by MIF and IL-1β. Furthermore, MMPs are involved in tissue remodeling and may be critical to cartilage formation in RA. It is also known that MIF up-regulates the expression of MMPs 1 and 3 in the fibroblasts-like synoviocytes of patients with RA. Therefore, MIF antagonism could be a very attractive therapeutic pathway to decrease the effects of injury and RA. This chapter reviews the latest findings on the roles of MIF with regard to injury and RA.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Matrix Metalloproteinases |
Subtitle of host publication | Biology, Functions and Clinical Implications |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 189-202 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781621007890 |
State | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Inflammation
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
- Matrix metalloproteinases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ultraviolet
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology