Recombinant Human Migration Inhibitor Factor (rHuMIF)

Human MIF consists of two α-helices and six β-strands, four of which form a β-sheet. The two remaining β-strands interact with other MIF molecules, creating a trimer. Structure-function studies suggest MIF is bifunctional with segregated topology. The N- and C-termini mediate enzyme activity (in theory) . Phenylpyruvate tautomerase activity (enol-to-keto) has been demonstrated and is dependent upon Pro at position 1. Amino acids 50 - 65 have also been suggested to contain thiol-protein oxidoreductase activity. MIF has proinflammatory cytokine activity centered around aa’s 49 - 65. On fibroblasts, MIF induces, IL-1, IL-8 and MMP expression; on macrophages, MIF stimulates NO production and TNF-α release folllowing IFN-γ activation. MIF apparently acts through CD74 and CD44, likely in some form of trimeric interaction. Human MIF is active on mouse cells. Human MIF is 90%, 94%, 95%, and 90% aa identical to mouse, bovine, porcine and rat MIF, respectively.