Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key proinflammatory mediator. It contributes toward an exaggerated gram-negative inflammatory response via its ability to induce Toll-like receptor-4 expression. Studies have shown that MIF knockout mice have less aggressive Pseudomonas infection (compared with wild-type).
F.R.C.P.I., Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Education Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland. seamas.donnelly@ucd.ie
