Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: A mediator of matrix metalloproteinase production

Tadamichi Shimizu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMatrix Metalloproteinases
Subtitle of host publicationBiology, Functions and Clinical Implications
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages189-202
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9781621007890
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Inflammation
  • Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
  • Matrix metalloproteinases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ultraviolet

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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