The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Asthmatic Airway Remodeling
Ruyi Li, Feiyun Wang, Jianghong Wei, Yun Lin, Guofang Tang, Lizong Rao, Libing Ma, Qing Xu, Jingjie Wu, Qian Lv, Rui Zhou, Huiren Lei, Xueqiang Zhao, Yao Dong, Bo Xiao, Haiming Huang, Jiange Zhang, Biwen Mo
Abstract
PURPOSE: Recent studies have demonstrated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is of importance in asthmatic inflammation. The role of MIF in modulating airway remodeling has not yet been thoroughly elucidated to date. In the present study, we hypothesized that MIF promoted airway remodeling by intensifying airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) autophagy and explored the specific mechanisms. METHODS: models, inhibitors, antibodies and lentivirus transfection techniques were employed. RESULTS: . Moreover, the cellular source of MIF which promoted ASMC autophagy was macrophages. Finally, MIF promoted ASMC autophagy in a CD74-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: MIF can increase asthmatic airway remodeling by enhancing ASMC autophagy. Macrophage-derived MIF can promote ASMC autophagy by targeting CD74.