MIF and hepatocellular carcinoma: Numerous studies have revealed that ConA can elicit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including MIF.36, 37, 38, 39 Studies have also reported that ConA can induce hepatitis in mice, and that the knockdown of MIF can protect mice against ConA-induced liver injury.40 However, the involvement of MIF in ConA-induced autophagic cell death of hepatoma cells is unclear.