TNF

TNF or Tumor Necrosis Factor is a cell signaling protein (cytokine) involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction. It is produced chiefly by activated macrophages, although it can be produced by many other cell types such as CD4+ lymphocytes, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, and neurons.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The primary role of TNF is in the regulation of immune cells. TNF, being an endogenous pyrogen, is able to induce fever, apoptotic cell death, cachexia, inflammation and to inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication. Dysregulation of TNF production has been implicated in a variety of human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, major depression, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Function[edit | edit source]

TNF can be produced in a soluble and a membrane form. Both forms can bind to two different receptors: TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNFR1 is expressed in most tissues and can be fully activated by both the membrane-bound and soluble trimeric forms of TNF, whereas TNFR2 is found typically in cells of the immune system and respond to the membrane-bound form of the TNF homotrimer.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

In clinical practice, TNF blockers are used in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, refractory asthma, and other autoimmune diseases. Some have shown efficacy in treating psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder.

See also[edit | edit source]

TNF Resources
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