ABSTRACT
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a structurally unique cytokine that plays a crucial role in inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammation of the arterial wall is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is characterized by chemokine-mediated influx of leukocytes. The investigation of MIF in atherosclerotic vascular disease has established a chemokine-like function (CLF) of MIF, which is primarily based on its non-cognate interaction with the chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4. Through this activity, MIF contributes decisively to atherogenic leukocyte recruitment and, thus, affects lesion progression and plaque stability.
