MIF and aortic aneurysm: MIF binding to receptors (CD74/CD44, CXCR4) activates downstream signaling pathways (ERK1/2, NF-κB, AKT), mediating pro-inflammatory responses implicated in aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (25–29).