Description
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), also kNown as TNF, TNFA or TNFSF2, is the prototypic cytokine of the TNF superfamily. This cytokine is mainly secreted by macrophages. It can bind to, and thus functions through its receptors TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 and TNFRSF1B/TNFBR. This cytokine is involved in the regulation of a wide spectrum of biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and coagulation. This cytokine has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, insulin resistance, and cancer. KNockout studies in mice also suggested the neuroprotective function of this cytokine.