TWEAK

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

TWEAK is a member of the TNF superfamily of proteins. It is a type of cytokine, a protein that cells use to communicate with each other. TWEAK is produced by many different types of cells, including immune cells, and it can have a variety of effects on the body, depending on the context in which it is produced.

Function[edit | edit source]

TWEAK functions by binding to a receptor called Fn14. This binding triggers a series of events inside the cell that can lead to a variety of outcomes, including cell death, cell proliferation, and the production of other cytokines. The exact outcome depends on the type of cell and the context in which the TWEAK-Fn14 interaction occurs.

Role in disease[edit | edit source]

Because of its ability to influence cell behavior, TWEAK has been implicated in a number of diseases. For example, it has been shown to contribute to the progression of cancer by promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis. It has also been linked to autoimmune diseases, where it can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage.

Therapeutic potential[edit | edit source]

Given its role in disease, TWEAK is being explored as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. For example, drugs that block the interaction between TWEAK and Fn14 could potentially be used to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases.

See also[edit | edit source]

TWEAK Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD