The large Maf transcription factors are expressed in immune cells including macrophages and lymphocytes. To investigate the distribution of Maf expression in human organs, immunostaining for Maf was performed using sections of several human organs. High Maf expression was seen in the nucleus of macrophages in the gastrointestinal tract and lymph node sinus macrophages (LySMs). Then, we assessed whether Maf expression in LySMs was correlated with CD169 expression and the clinical prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Maf expression was associated with CD169 expression, but Maf expression in LySMs was not associated with the clinical course in patients with esophageal cancer. We determined which cytokines stimulate Maf expression using cultured macrophages. Immunocytochemistry showed that Maf expression was significantly elevated by interferon-γ. These results are the first report of Maf expression in human samples. Maf expression may be a marker for the macrophage population in humans.
Keywords: CD169; LySM; Maf; esophageal cancer; macrophage.