MIF is involved in cell-mediated immunity, immunoregulation, and inflammation. Reportedly, it also plays a role in the regulation of macrophage function in host defense through the suppression of anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids. This lymphokine and the JAB1 protein form a complex in the cytosol near the peripheral plasma membrane, which may possibly indicate a role in integrin signalling pathways. However, the biological mechanism and significance of MIF remains unknown.
