MIF and cutaneous leishmaniasis: Similarly, in humans a Th1-type response appears to be protective in cutaneous disease, however excessive inflammation and T cell activity is associated with worsened visceral and diffuse disease., MIF is an inflammatory cytokine produced by mammalian immune effector cells that can promote CD4 T cell and macrophage activity, and has thus been shown to enhance clearance of L. major parasites in vitro and in vivo, and ameliorate disease in a mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis.