MIF expression in chronic HCV infection–from inflammation to tumour formation?

The cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor [MIF] is believed to promote tumour formation and progression (Immunity 2007; 26: 281–5), and viral infection is often associated with increased MIF expression. Since chronic HCV infection frequently progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], we studied MIF expression in liver biopsies from patients with chronic HCV infection by immunohistochemistry. All biopsies showed MIF staining, most notably at the sites of active inflammation. Hepatocytes appeared to be major producers of MIF, whereas infiltrating lymphocytes did not stain. Increased MIF expression in…