Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has emerged as a pivotal mediator of innate immunity and has been shown to be an important effector molecule in severe sepsis. Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an important cause of community-acquired sepsis in Southeast Asia. Here an immunostain for MIF is shown in the lungs of mice infected with B. pseudomallei. Positive immunostaining for MIF can be seen in the epithelial submucosa, bronchial epithelial cells, and inflammatory cells, most notably of alveolar macrophages (magnification x 10). MIF concentrations are markedly elevated during melioidosis and correlate with poor outcome. During experimental melioidosis MIF impairs antibacterial defense. (See article by Wiersinga et al., doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000605).
Image Credit: Sandrine Florquin (Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).
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The Global Health Crisis and Our Nation's Research Universities
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases: published February 23, 2010 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000635
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Reframing Critical Needs in Vector Biology and Management of Vector-Borne Disease
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