Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF): A Key Player in Protozoan Infections
oleh: Juan de Dios Rosado, Miriam Rodriguez-Sosa
| Format: | Article |
|---|---|
| Diterbitkan: | Ivyspring International Publisher 2011-01-01 |
Deskripsi
<p>Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by the pituitary gland and multiple cell types, including macrophages (Mø), dendritic cells (DC) and T-cells. Upon releases MIF modulates the expression of several inflammatory molecules, such as TNF-α, nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). These important MIF characteristics have prompted investigators to study its role in parasite infections. Several reports have demonstrated that MIF plays either a protective or deleterious role in the immune response to different pathogens. Here, we review the role of MIF in the host defense response to some important protozoan infections.</p>