Tumor necrosis factor alpha
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), pronounced as /ˈtjuːmər nɪˈkroʊsɪs ˈfæktər ˈælfə/, is a cell signaling protein (cytokine) involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction. The primary role of TNFα is in the regulation of immune cells.
Etymology
The term "Tumor necrosis factor alpha" is derived from its initial discovery as a factor that causes necrosis (cell death) in tumors. The "alpha" designation indicates that it was the first of this type of factor to be discovered.
Function
TNFα, or Tumor necrosis factor alpha, is produced chiefly by activated macrophages, although it can be produced by many other cell types such as CD4+ lymphocytes, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, and neurons.
Role in Disease
Overproduction of TNFα plays a role in a variety of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Related Terms
- Cytokine: Any of a number of substances, such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors, which are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells.
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis.
- Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints and resulting in painful deformity and immobility, especially in the fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles.
- Crohn's Disease: A chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, especially the colon and ileum, associated with ulcers and fistulae.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tumor necrosis factor alpha
- Wikipedia's article - Tumor necrosis factor alpha
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