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Deep Insight into the Role of MIF in Spondyloarthritis

  • Spondyloarthritis (MA Khan and N Akkoc, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pathological roles of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) have recently been demonstrated in spondyloarthritis (SpA) preclinical models, identifying MIF as a new treatment target for SpA. However, the specific contribution of MIF and therapeutic potential of MIF-targeted therapies to various tissue types affected by SpA are not well delineated.

Recent Findings

MIF and its cognate receptor CD74 are extensively involved in the pathogenesis of SpA including inflammation in the spine, joint, eyes, skin, and gut. The majority of the current evidence has consistently shown that MIF drives the inflammation in these distinct anatomical sites. In preclinical models, genetic deletion or blockade of MIF reduces the severity of inflammation. Although MIF is generally an upstream cytokine which regulates downstream effector cytokines, MIF also intensifies type 3 immunity by promoting helper T 17 (Th17) plasticity. MIF- or CD74-targeted therapies have also reported to be well tolerated in clinical trials for other diseases.

Summary

Recent findings suggest that MIF-CD74 axis is a new therapeutic target for SpA to improve various clinical features. Clinical trials for MIF- or CD74-targeted therapies for SpA patients are warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada

    Brian Wu & Akihiro Nakamura

  2. Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Brian Wu & Akihiro Nakamura

  3. Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Brian Wu

  4. Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Akihiro Nakamura

  5. Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Akihiro Nakamura

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  1. Brian Wu
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  2. Akihiro Nakamura
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Correspondence to Akihiro Nakamura.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Spondyloarthritis.

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Wu, B., Nakamura, A. Deep Insight into the Role of MIF in Spondyloarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 24, 269–278 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-022-01081-7

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