The multifaced role of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor family in organ fibrosis.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family consists of the structurally homologous proteins MIF, D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), and D-DT like (D-DTL). Although MIF is the most well-described member, much less is known about D-DT, and very little about D-DTL. Here, we provide an overview of the structure, similarities, and biological functions of these proteins. MIF and D-DT can have both protective and aggravating effects on various diseases depending on the disease type, involved organ, cell type, and disease stage. Given that the pathological consequence of many chronic diseases is fibrosis, we here discuss the role of these proteins in organ fibrosis, particularly of the kidney, liver, heart, lung, and skin. We discuss the various roles of these proteins, suggesting that MIF might have pro- and antifibrotic roles in different organs. To date, D-DT has been shown to have only antifibrotic roles. We tackle potential translational considerations and propose future research avenues to better understand the involvement of MIF family in organ fibrosis.