Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is increased in kidney and urine during kidney
disease. MIF binds to and activates CD74 and chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4.
CD74 is a protein trafficking regulator and a cell membrane receptor for MIF, D-dopachrome
tautomerase (D-DT/MIF-2) and bacterial proteins. MIF signaling through CD74 requires
CD44. CD74, CD44 and CXCR4 are upregulated in renal cells in diseased kidneys and MIF
activation of CD74 in kidney cells promotes an inflammatory response. MIF or CXCR2 …