Tumor Necrosis Factor
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF, pronounced: TOO-mor ne-KRO-sis FAK-tor) is a cell-signaling protein involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction. It is produced chiefly by macrophages, but can be produced by many other cell types such as lymphocytes, mast cells, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, adipose tissue, and neurons.
Etymology
The term "Tumor Necrosis Factor" is derived from its ability to cause necrosis (cell death) of tumor cells. It was first identified in the 1970s due to its anti-tumor effects.
Function
The primary role of TNF is in the regulation of immune cells. It is able to induce fever, apoptosis, inflammation, inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication, and respond to sepsis via IL1 & IL6 production.
Related Terms
- Cytokines
- Macrophages
- Lymphocytes
- Mast cells
- Endothelial cells
- Cardiomyocytes
- Adipose tissue
- Neurons
- Immune cells
- Fever
- Apoptosis
- Inflammation
- Tumorigenesis
- Viral replication
- Sepsis
- IL1
- IL6
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