Macrophage Migration Inhibitor Factor As A Key Cytokine: Mechanisms Of Action And Its Role In Inflammatory And Autoimmune Disorders

Aliyarbayova A.A.; Yaqubova S.M; Aliyeva S.E.; Guliyeva F.E.; Shukurova A.S.; Ibishova A.V.; Pashayeva S.A.

doi:10.29284/xpn36z49

Authors

Aliyarbayova A.A. Aliyarbayova Aygun Aliyar, Assistant Professor, PhD, The Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0887-3132
Yaqubova S.M Yaqubova Samira Mamedhasan, Associate professor, DSc, The Department of Pathology of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6794-7798
Aliyeva S.E. Aliyeva Sanam Eldar, Associate Professor, Phd, The department of Pharmacognosy of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2380-6460
Guliyeva F.E. Guliyeva Firangiz Eyvaz, Assistant Professor, PhD, The department of Biochemistry of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2206-1803
Shukurova A.S. Shukurova Ayten Sadig, Assistant Professor, PhD, The Department of Pharmacognosy of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9485-0932
Ibishova A.V. lbishova Arzu Vaqif, Assistant professor, The Department of Pathology of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku https://orcid.org/0000 0001 8946 9531
Pashayeva S.A. Pashayeva Sara Agakishi, Assistant Professor, PhD, The Department of Pharmaceutical toxicology and chemistry of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8863-6449

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29284/xpn36z49

Keywords:

Immune dysregulation; Innate–adaptive immune crosstalk; Inflammatory signalling networks; Cytokine-mediated pathology; Immunomodulatory targets.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a versatile cytokine that is at the centre of immune regulation, connecting innate and adaptive immune responses and regulating inflammation, tissue remodelling and disease progression. Originally described as a macrophage-controlling factor, MIF is currently known to be a ubiquitously expressed cytokine that has context-specific roles in host defence, immune homeostasis and pathology. The review provides a critical analysis of the existing information on MIF signalling mechanisms and their role in chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Experimental method: The literature review was extensive, and it was based on the molecular biology of MIF, receptor-mediated signalling via CD74 and related chemokine receptors, and the downstream activation of PI3K/AKT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB), and inflammasome-related pathways. Experimental and clinical reports dealing with the role of MIF in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases were critically assessed.

Key findings: There is a growing body of evidence that MIF is a strong immunomodulatory mediator, which plays a role in the loss of immune tolerance and the maintenance of inflammation in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatic, dermatological, endocrine, reproductive, and neurological diseases. Notably, tissue context and local immune architecture have a potent effect on the functionality implications of MIF signalling.

Conclusion: MIF is an immunoregulatory centre of inflammatory and autoimmune pathology, which is very central but complicated. Although great progress has been made, there exist great gaps in knowledge. The selective and precise therapeutic modulation of MIF signalling will require the use of a systems-immunology framework.

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