Function
Macrophage inhibitory factor or Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine. MIF2 or D-dopachrome tautomerase or D-dopachrome decarboxylase is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which regulates the innate and adaptive immune response[1]. MIF is released to the blood stream upon stimulation of white blood cells by bacterial antigens[2].
Relevance
MIF plays a role in various solid and hematologic tumors[3]. MIF is overexpressed in various tumors and is suggested to be the molecular link between chronic inflammation and cancer. MIF has a role in skin inflammation, immune response, disease, tumorigenesis and wound healing[4]. MIF has a role in Alzheimer disease and its inhibition may prevent the disease onset[5].
Structural highlights
MIF contains two different catalytic sites. A phenylpyruvate tautomerase site is located in the N terminal. A . The [6]. Water molecules shown as red spheres.
3D structures of macrophage inhibitory factor
Macrophage inhibitory factor 3D structures