Target Information

MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) was one of the first cytokine activities to be discovered and was initially described as a T cell-derived factor that inhibits the random migration of macrophages (Weiser 1989). Recently, MIF was rediscovered as a pituitary hormone that act as the counterregulatory hormone for glucocorticoid action within the immune system (Bernhagen 1993, Mitchell 1995). MIF was released from macrophages and T cells in response to physiological concentrations of glucocorticoids. The secreted MIF counter-regulates the immunosuppressive effects of steroids on immune cell activation and cytokine production (Bucala 1998). MIF plays a critical role in the host control of inflammation and immunity.