CD74 is MIF'd

A number of MIF inhibition programs have faltered, despite the fact that MIF is a well-characterized cytokine involved in inflammation and angiogenesis that may play a role similar to TNF alpha. Now that it has been shown that the CD74 receptor is its primary site of action, things may get easier.

The fact that MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) is located upstream from validated pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF alpha already made it an interesting target. About a year ago, Novartis AG (NVS; SWX:NOVN, Basel, Switzerland) licensed rights to make small molecule inhibitors of MIF from Avanir Pharmaceuticals (AVN, San Diego, Calif.) (see BioCentury, May 9, 2005). ...