Short description
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cell signaling factor of the
immune system. It is involved in acute inflammatory reactions towards
gram-negative bacteria.
Detailed description
TNF is primarily produced by macrophages, the
immune system’s scavenger cells. Its name is derived from the fact that the molecule is able to kill certain tumor cells by inducing the so-called necrosis. It can also trigger proliferation and differentiation of cells as well as cell death. TNF causes and boosts inflammation, which serves to fight an infection. In case of chronic inflammations there is, however, too much TNF so that it has to be inhibited with medication.
