Description of Invention: The protein known as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was one of the first cytokines to be discovered. Thirty-years ago it was described as a T-cell-derived factor that inhibited the random migration of macrophages in vitro. Today, MIF is known to be a mediator of the function of macrophages in host defense and its expression correlates with delayed hypersensitivity and cellular immunity. It plays an important role in the inflammatory response and is associated with cell differentiation. As with other lymphokines, MIF could have therapeutic values in stimulating the immune system and other cells. Hardly abundant from other sources, the high concentration of the protein that has been found in the eye lens could be a useful source for research. The present invention provides the DNA that encodes MIF. A related invention provides a method for isolating MIF from the ocular lens.
Applications: * research reagent
* therapeutic for inflammatory conditions
* stimulation of the immune system
V Paralkar, G Wistow, "Cloning the human gene for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)," Genomics 19(1):48-51, 1994.
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Portfolios: Internal Medicine Internal Medicine - Therapeutics Ophthalmology Ophthalmology - Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Surekha Vathyam Ph.D. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: vathyams@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-435-4076 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
The protein known as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was one of the first cytokines to be discovered. Thirty-years ago it was described as a T-cell-derived factor that inhibited the random migration of macrophages in vitro. Today, MIF is known to be a mediator of the function of macrophages in host defense and its expression correlates with delayed hypersensitivity and cellular immunity. It plays an important role in the inflammatory response and is associated with cell differentiation. As with other lymphokines, MIF could have therapeutic values in stimulating the immune system and other cells. Hardly abundant from other sources, the high concentration of the protein that has been found in the eye lens could be a useful source for research. The present invention provides the DNA that encodes MIF. A related invention provides a method for isolating MIF from the ocular lens.
Applications:
* research reagent * therapeutic for inflammatory conditions * stimulation of the immune system
Advantages:
* abundant source * purified MIF
Inventors:
Graeme J Wistow (NEI)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
US, , Patent No. 5,656,737, Issued 12 Aug 1997
HHS, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
US, , Patent No. 5,328,990, Issued 12 Jul 1994
PCT, Application No. PCT/US92/03399 filed 26 Apr 1992
Related Technologies:
US, Patent No. 5,328,990, Issued 12 Jul 1994, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
EIR, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
US, Patent No. 5,656,737, Issued 12 Aug 1997, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
PCT, Application No. PCT/US92/03399 filed 26 Apr 1992, Reference No. E-090-1991/0
Relevant Publication:
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Portfolios:
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine - Therapeutics
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology - Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact:
Surekha Vathyam Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: vathyams@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-4076
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 156
Updated: 05/1997