Tumor Necrosis Factor
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important mediator of activation and enhancement of inflammation.
Expression
- expressed by macrophages, along with IL-1, in inflammation in response to activation
Function
- increases vascular permeability
- increases endothelial activation
- chemotactic for neutrophils, monocytes, T cells, and NK cells
- acts on hypothalamus to induce fever (endogenous pyrogen)
- binds to tumour cells and induces apoptosis
Interactions and Signalling
- receptor:
Role in Disease
- inflammation
- overproduction can lead to excessive tissue destruction
Structure
- template
Gene and Processing
- template
Expression
Released by macrophages in response to endotoxin, immune complexes, and injury
involved in endothelial and neutrophil activation
responsible for fever, chills, loss of appetite
can induce septic shock