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Summary: MIF homologues from a filarial nematode parasite synergize
with IL-4 to induce alternative activation of host
macrophages
Lidia Prieto-Lafuente, William F. Gregory, Judith E. Allen, and Rick M. Maizels1
Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Abstract: Macrophage migration inhibitory fac-
tor (MIF) is a highly conserved cytokine considered
to exert wide-ranging, proinflammatory effects on
the immune system. Recently, members of this
gene family have been discovered in a number of
invertebrate species, including parasitic helminths.
However, chronic helminth infections are typically
associated with a Th2-dominated, counter-inflam-
matory phenotype, in which alternatively activated
macrophages (AAMs) are prominent. To resolve
this apparent paradox, we have analyzed the activ-
ity of two helminth MIF homologues from the filar-
ial nematode Brugia malayi, in comparison with
the canonical MIF from the mouse. We report that
murine MIF (mMIF) and Brugia MIF proteins in-
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