Tumor necrosis factors

Tumor Necrosis Factors (TNFs) are a group of cytokines, proteins that are involved in systemic inflammation and are part of the immune system. They are produced primarily by macrophages, but can also be produced by a variety of other cell types.

Function

TNFs are involved in the regulation of a wide spectrum of biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and coagulation. They have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, insulin resistance, and autoimmune diseases.

Types

There are two types of TNFs: TNF-alpha and TNF-beta. TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in the regulation of immune cells and the inflammatory response. TNF-beta, also known as lymphotoxin-alpha, is involved in the formation of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches.

Role in Disease

TNFs play a crucial role in the development and progression of several diseases. In cancer, they can promote tumor growth and survival, but can also induce cancer cell death under certain conditions. In autoimmune diseases, they contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. In metabolic diseases, they can induce insulin resistance and promote the development of type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic Target

Due to their role in disease, TNFs have become a major target for therapeutic intervention. Several drugs have been developed that inhibit the action of TNFs, including Etanercept, Infliximab, and Adalimumab. These drugs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

See Also

• Cytokines
• Macrophages
• TNF-alpha
• TNF-beta
• Etanercept
• Infliximab
• Adalimumab