Additional investigation revealed that the MIF-(CD74+CD44) signaling pathway mediated the most robust interaction between ZDHHC9+ malignant cells (acting as Senders) and M1 macrophages (serving as Mediators) (Figures 9G, H), suggesting that BC TME could be influenced through MIF-(CD74+CD44) signal transduction. The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is breast cancer.