ABSTRACT
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a type of pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine with a specific structure, participates in the regulation of host cell growth and migration and immune responses. Following parasitic infections, hosts may produce MIF and then participate in the parasite-host interactions. In addition, parasites may secrete parasite-derived MIF, and they jointly participate in parasite-host interactions. This paper reviews the regulation of MIF gene expression following parasitic infections, the role of MIF in parasite-host immune system interactions, and important signaling pathways of MIF-mediated immune responses.
ABSTRACT
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a type of pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine with a specific structure, participates in the regulation of host cell growth and migration and immune responses. Following parasitic infections, hosts may produce MIF and then participate in the parasite-host interactions. In addition, parasites may secrete parasite-derived MIF, and they jointly participate in parasite-host interactions. This paper reviews the regulation of MIF gene expression following parasitic infections, the role of MIF in parasite-host immune system interactions, and important signaling pathways of MIF-mediated immune responses.