Role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 in pathogenesis of diseases

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is a 17 kDa calcium-binding protein produced by monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes; its synthesis is induced by INF-γ. The AIF-1 gene is located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region on chromosome 6p21.3, surrounded by surface glycoprotein genes and complement cascade protein genes as well as TNF-α, TNF-β, and NF-κB genes. Increased expression of AIF-1 was observed in several diseases, including endometriosis, breast cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibrosis. In this review, we summarise the role of AIF-1 in allograft rejection and the pathogenesis of diseases.