Method for determining MIF content

Abstract

The present invention relates to diagnostic methods for determining migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA content in a sample, wherein MIF is human MIF polypeptide having a molecular weight of approximately 12.5 kDa and kits for detecting MIF.

1 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A detection kit, comprising:
 (a) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment or fusion protein thereof that specifically binds to human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein, wherein the human MIF protein has a molecular weight of approximately 12.5 kDa as determined by SDS PAGE;   (b) a detectable label, whereby the binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment or fusion protein to the human MIF protein can be detected.   
     
     
         67 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein (a) is the antibody. 
     
     
         68 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein (a) is the antigen-binding fragment. 
     
     
         69 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein (a) is the fusion protein. 
     
     
         70 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein (a) is the antibody, and the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         71 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein the detectable label comprises one or more enzymes. 
     
     
         72 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein the detectable label comprises one or more fluorescent dyes. 
     
     
         73 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein the detectable label comprises one or more colored beads. 
     
     
         74 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein the detectable label comprises one or more magnetic beads. 
     
     
         75 . The kit of  claim 66 , wherein the human MIF protein exhibits MIF biological activity. 
     
     
         76 . A method of using the diagnostic kit of  claim 66 , comprising contacting a sample with (a) and (b). 
     
     
         77 . A method of making the diagnostic kit of  claim 66 , comprising providing (a) and (b) together to result in the diagnostic kit. 
     
     
         78 . A method for detecting human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein in a sample, comprising:
 (a) contacting the sample with the kit of  claim 66 ; and   (b) determining the presence or absence of human MIF protein in the sample, wherein if the human MIF protein is detected, then the human MIF protein is present in the sample, and wherein if the human MIF protein is not detected, then the human MIF protein is not present in the sample.