By Bucala Richard
Richard Bucala - 2012
The established role of the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in immune responses and the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious disorders is explored. This handbook offers an authoritative synthesis of MIF science, detailing its basic molecular biology, structure-function relationships, pathophysiology, genetics, and drug development prospects. Recent research expands MIF's significance in normal physiology and pathology, including oncogenesis, cardiac function, and neurodevelopment. Understanding MIF's molecular mechanisms and the impact of variant alleles continues to evolve. Its unique catalytic activity and receptor-dependent actions present opportunities for therapeutic intervention.