Pro-inflammatory cytokine. Involved in the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens. The expression of MIF at sites of inflammation suggests a role as mediator in regulating the function of macrophages in host defense. Counteracts the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids. Has phenylpyruvate tautomerase and dopachrome tautomerase activity (in vitro), but the physiological substrate is not known. It is not clear whether the tautomerase activity has any physiological relevance, and whether it is important for cytokine activity.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Chicken Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
Subcellular Location
Secreted Cytoplasm Does not have a cleavable signal sequence and is secreted via a specialized, non-classical pathway. Secreted by macrophages upon stimulation by bacterial antigens.