Differential mechanisms of MIF proteins in atherosclerosis and selective peptide-based strategies for intervention (A03)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 238187445

MIF is an inflammatory cytokine and atypical chemokine that promotes atherosclerosis via CXCR4 and -2, but the roles of MIF-2, new MIF homologs, and the regulatory fine-tuning of the MIF network in atherosclerosis are unknown. Here, we will elucidate mutual links between the vascular and lipogenic roles of MIF-2 discovered in the last funding period, characterize the atheroprotective effects of MIF-3 and -4, and expand our CXCR4 mimicry concept to the design of dual- or MIF-2-targeting CXCR4 peptide mimics as well as to ACKR3 mimics.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1123: Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms and Networks of Novel Therapeutic Targets
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Jürgen Bernhagen; Professorin Dr. Aphrodite Kapurniotu