Role for Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. As such, it is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of these disorders. . Several data suggest a key role of MIF in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In mice with EAE, an animal model of MS, MIF was found to be upregulated in the affected tissue . Immunoneutralization or genetic depletion of MIF reduced the severity of the disease by impairing the migration of autoreactive T cells to the CNS and downregulating the inflammatory cytokine production and the inhibition of MIF actions by usage of neutralizing anti-MIF antibodies has also proven therapeutically effective. However, more potent and specific inhibitors targeting MIF or its downstream effects are needed for the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies for MIF- associated diseases, such as MS.