Macrophage Receptors for Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), Migration Stimulatory Factor (MSF), and Agglutinating Factor

Abstract

Abstract The action of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in fetal calf serum (FCS-MIF) was inhibited by l-fucose and by blood group substances and bovine submaxillary mucin, both of which contain l-fucose. FCS-MIF agglutinated human erythrocytes and guinea pig peritoneal exudate macrophages. Agglutination of these cell types was inhibited by l-fucose and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. Human type O erythrocytes removed MIF from FCS. Supernatants of antigen stimulated guinea pig lymphocytes, containing MIF, agglutinated guinea pig peritoneal exudate macrophages which could be inhibited by l-fucose and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine; and human type A erythrocytes which could be inhibited by N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. A macrophage migration stimulatory factor in fetal calf serum (FCS-MIF) was inhibited by N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. These observations suggest that macrophages and erythrocytes have distinct membrane receptors for MIF and MSF and that these receptors contain monosaccharides.