Tumor necrosis factor

Detailed description

TNF is a cytokine produced primarily by activated immune cells such as macrophages. It promotes inflammatory responses and influences, among other things, the activation, growth, and programmed cell death of certain cells.

TNF contributes to the defense against pathogens, but excessive or prolonged activation can also damage tissue and play a role in chronic inflammatory diseases. For some of these diseases, medications are therefore used to specifically inhibit the action of TNF.