Tumor necrosis factor

Tumor necrosis factor:

The TNF family, of which Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-A), is the prototype, contains more than 17 cytokines with important functions in adaptive and innate immunity.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-A):

·        TNF-A acts on endothelial cells and stimulates the expression of adhesion molecules and aids the extravasation of inflammatory cells.

·        It stimulates endothelial cells to express proteins that trigger blood clotting in the local small vessels, occluding them and cutting off blood flow.

·       This is important in preventing the pathogen from entering the bloodstream and spreading.

 ·      However, TNF-A can become catastrophic if the infection spreads. Sepsis causes a massive release of TNF-A from macrophages throughout the body. The systemic release of TNF-A into the bloodstream causes vasodilation, which leads to a loss of blood pressure and increased vascular permeability, leading to a loss of plasma volume and eventually to shock, known as septic shock.

Therapeutic uses of inhibition of TNF-A:

·        Anti-TNF-A antibodies have been found to induce remissions in rheumatoid arthritis and decrease inflammation in Crohn's disease.

·        There are two types of established drugs that are used to antagonize TNF-A in clinical practice:

·        The first type comprises the anti-TNF-A antibodies, such as infliximab and adalimumab, which bind to TNF-A and block its activity.

·        The second type I a recombinant human TNF receptor (TNFR) subunit p75-Fc fusion protein called etanercept, which binds TNF-A, thereby neutralizing its activity.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Beta (TNF-B):

·        It is secreted by Th1 cells and cytotoxic T cells, is also known as Lymphotoxin-alpha.

·        It activates macrophages and has a direct cytotoxic effect on some cells.

·        It also inhibits B cells.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can support Immunowesome by:
1. Donating via PayPal

 

2. Or buy supporting the authors' website (by visiting and sharing the page!)

Visit medXclusive.org by Bobby V. Shirke

Visit medicowesome.com by Nakeya Dewaswala