MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITING FACTOR (MYTH)

This review summarizes current knowledge on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a pleiotropic cytokine with a central role in immune, inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and stress-related regulation. The article highlights the historical discovery of MIF, its unique biological properties, receptor-dependent and receptor-independent signaling mechanisms, and its functions as an immunoregulatory factor, hormone-like mediator, and enzyme. Particular attention is given to the involvement of MIF in stress responses, endothelial barrier dysfunction, autophagy induction, neuroinflammation, and central nervous system plasticity, as well as its role in autoimmune diseases, sepsis, cancer, and renal pathology. The review also discusses the clinical relevance of MIF as a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target, emphasizing ongoing strategies aimed at MIF neutralization and pathway modulation.