Tumornekroositekijä

Tumornekroositekijä, often abbreviated as TNF, is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response and immune system. It is a protein produced primarily by macrophages and other immune cells. TNF's name comes from its ability to induce necrosis, or programmed cell death, in certain types of tumor cells. However, its functions extend far beyond this.

In normal physiological processes, TNF is essential for initiating and regulating inflammation, which is the body's response to infection or injury. It can also promote the development of immune cells and contribute to fever. TNF is a key mediator in various autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Elevated levels of TNF are associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.

Due to its significant role in inflammation and disease, TNF has become a target for therapeutic intervention. Medications designed to block TNF, known as anti-TNF therapies, are widely used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. These drugs work by neutralizing TNF or its receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. While highly effective for many patients, anti-TNF therapies can also increase the risk of infections, as TNF is important for fighting off pathogens.