  MWC 560 (V694 Mon) is one of the most enigmatic symbiotic system with a very
active accretion-powered hot component. Such activity can be supported only by
a luminous asymptotic giant branch star, i.e. a Mira or SR variable, with a
high mass-loss rate. It is also a very unusual jet source because the jet axis
lies practically parallel to the line of sight. The aims of our study are the
determination of the evolutionary status of the cool component of MWC 560. Our
methods involve analysis of near-IR JHKL and optical light curves. The cool
component of MWC 560 pulsates with a period of ~340 days, and it is probably a
red SR variable on the thermally pulsing AGB. The high mass-loss rate expected
for such a star is sufficient to power the observed activity of the hot
companion.
