Tumor necrosis factor

Definition

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and is part of the body's immune response. It plays a role in the regulation of immune cells and can induce fever, apoptotic cell death, sepsis, and inflammation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TNF is primarily produced by activated macrophages and T-cells.
2. It has a crucial role in the inflammatory response to infections caused by bacterial and viral pathogens.
3. High levels of TNF are associated with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
4. TNF inhibitors are used as therapeutic agents to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
5. TNF can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, aiding in the removal of infected or cancerous cells.

Review Questions

• What types of cells primarily produce Tumor Necrosis Factor?
• How does TNF contribute to the body's defense against pathogens?
• What are some clinical applications of TNF inhibitors?

Related terms

Cytokine: A broad category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling.

Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Apoptosis:

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.