CXCL12 and chronic cystitis: In CYP-induced cystitis, then, activation of CXCR4 receptors, either by its recognized ligand SDF-1 (upregulated as a result of CYP) or due to interaction with MIF (also upregulated as a result of CYP and present in greater quantities than SDF-1) may in fact be contributing to pain hypersensitivity.