Localization of the Human Gene for Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) to Chromosome 22q11.2

Abstract

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a lymphokine activity associated with early phases of the inflammatory response. The name MIF was later given to a small protein identified by expression cloning from activated T-cells. This protein is widely expressed in tissues regardless of immune status and has been identified with several different activities. Most recently it has become clear that MIF belongs to a superfamily of small isomerases. Whatever its physiological role(s), MIF gene expression is induced by different growth factors in a delayed early responses and is associated with processes of proliferation and differentiation. 16 refs., 1 fig.