Haemaphysalis longicornis: molecular characterization of a homologue of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor from the partially fed ticks

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been identified from some vertebrates and invertebrates. MIF is related to inflammation, tumor growth, and angiogenesis in vertebrates. Here, we report the molecular characterization of a homologue of MIF from partially fed Haemaphysalis longicornis. The sequence analysis of the H. longicornis MIF (HlMIF) indicated that its deduced amino acid sequence has an identity of 77% with the MIF of the tick Amblyomma americanum. Western blot analysis using the anti-His-HlMIF antibody showed that HlMIF was up-regulated during blood feeding. Immunohistochemistry showed that the endogenous HlMIF in partially fed ticks was localized to the midgut and epidermal cells. Moreover, the functional assay revealed that the GST-HlMIF inhibited the migration of human monocytes. In conclusion, we consider that HlMIF may facilitate blood feeding by inhibiting host macrophage migration to the feeding lesion or may participate in the proliferation and differentiation of cells in the tick body.