Abstract
The cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) occupies a unique position in physiology by its ability to directly regulate the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids. We review herein the interactions between MIF and glucocorticoids within the immune system and discuss the relevance of the MIF-glucocorticoid regulatory dyad in physiology and immunopathology. Therapeutic antagonism of MIF may be an effective approach for steroid-sparing therapies in patients with refractory autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
Publication types
-
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
-
Glucocorticoids / metabolism*
-
Humans
-
Immune System / metabolism*
-
Immunity
-
Immunosuppression Therapy
-
Inflammation / immunology*
-
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
-
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / genetics
-
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / metabolism*
-
Macrophages / immunology
Substances
-
Glucocorticoids
-
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors