MIF
Description
The MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 22.
MIF, short for Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, is a protein involved in the immune response. The acronym MIF can also refer to various concepts in computing and finance, including Maker Interchange Format, Management Information Format, MapInfo Interchange Format, Maharlika Investment Fund, Master in Finance, and Multilateral Investment Fund.
MIF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens. It is expressed at sites of inflammation, suggesting a role in regulating macrophage function in host defense. MIF counteracts the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids. It has phenylpyruvate tautomerase and dopachrome tautomerase activity in vitro, but the physiological substrate is unknown. The relevance of tautomerase activity to physiological function or cytokine activity is unclear.
MIF is also known as GIF, GLIF, MMIF.
