Morand EF, Leech M, Bernhagen J. MIF: a new cytokine link between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.
Nat Rev Drug Discov 2006;
5:399-410. [PMID:
16628200 DOI:
10.1038/nrd2029]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is well established as a key cytokine in immuno-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is now also recognized as having a crucial role in atherosclerosis, and recent evidence indicates that MIF could also be important in this disease. Here, we review the role of MIF in rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, discuss the ways in which MIF and its relationship with glucocorticoids could link these diseases, and consider the potential of MIF as a new therapeutic target for small-molecule and antibody-based anti-cytokine drugs.
Collapse