Macrophage migration inhibitory factor activates inflammatory responses of astrocytes through interaction with CD74 receptor

Astrocytes, a major type of brain cell, play important roles in maintaining a healthy brain environment. However, they can also trigger immune responses when exposed to inflammatory signals. MIF, a protein involved in inflammation, increases after spinal cord injury and is found near both microglia and astrocytes. This study suggests that blocking MIF's interaction with its receptor, CD74, could be a way to reduce inflammation in the central nervous system after injury.

• 1
  MIF expression increases significantly after spinal cord injury and colocalizes with microglia and astrocytes.
• 2
  MIF activates inflammatory responses in astrocytes, leading to increased expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, and this activation is mediated through the NFκB signaling pathway.
• 3
  MIF interacts with the CD74 receptor on astrocytes, and this interaction is necessary for MIF-stimulated ERK activation and subsequent inflammatory responses.