Roles of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Signaling Pathway in Oncovirus Infection and Virus-Associated Cancers

Approximately 12% of all human cancers are caused by oncoviruses. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling activation has been found closely related to many cancer cell malignant behaviors and infectious disease progression. However, its role in virus-associated cancers or how oncoviruses may regulate MIF signaling activities remains largely unknown. In the current review, we summarize recent findings about the oncovirus activation of MIF signaling pathways, their functional roles in viral oncogenesis, and the development of MIF-targeted therapies. We also discuss future directions in this interesting field.