WIDE RANGE OF ACTIONS OF THE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR (TNF)

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (TNF-alpha, TNF-beta) are two structurally related cytokines. Many of their functions are identical to those of IL-1, but to achieve a biological effect, their concentration must be 100 times greater than that of IL-1. They are capable of killing certain sensitive cell types, most often tumor cells, in vitro. IL-1 and TNF act synergistically on fibroblasts, enhancing the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). They cause neutrophil aggregation and thromboxane synthesis