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The macrophage migration inhibitory factor MIF is a phenylpyruvate tautomerase
Author(s) -
Rosengren Evald,
Åman Pierre,
Thelin Sofia,
Hansson Christer,
Ahlfors Stefan,
Björk Peter,
Jacobsson Lars,
Rorsman Hans
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)01261-1
Subject(s) - macrophage migration inhibitory factor , macrophage , chemistry , proinflammatory cytokine , enzyme , cytokine , biochemistry , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , biology , inflammation , in vitro , immunology , endocrinology
A macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), originally described as a product of activated lymphocytes, has been defined as a 12 kDa protein, expressed in a wide variety of tissues. Here MIF is identified as a phenylpyruvate tautomerase (EC 5.3.2.1) having p ‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate and phenylpyruvate as its natural substrates. The definition of MIF as an enzyme may yield insight into the mechanism of action of this proinflammatory and immunomodulating cytokine.