TNF

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is the best known cytokine of the TNF family. It is released from a number of cell types, especially activated macrophages. One of the acute phase reactants is endogenous pyrogen. TNF signaling can, among other things, activate apoptosis and thus, inter alia, inhibit tumor growth (hence the name). Long-term TNF signaling leads to cachexia (hence the name). TNF dysregulation appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Anti-TNF therapy is being tested in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in particular.

Related articles

 * Cytokines
 * Apoptosis
 * Biology of oncogenesis

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ws:TNF