Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) - a cytokine involved in the inflammatory response and regulation of the immune system and used as a marker for inflammation and infection.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important messenger of the immune system that plays a role in inflammation. It is mainly secreted by macrophages, which fight pathogens. TNF-alpha can have various effects on other cells, for example:

• Trigger cell death (apoptosis) to eliminate damaged or infected cells.

• Promote cell division (proliferation) to form new cells

• Influence cell maturation (differentiation) to produce specialised cells

• Release other messenger substances (cytokines) to enhance the immune response

TNF-alpha can also cause fever and affect metabolism. It is involved in emaciation (cachexia) in some diseases. It also affects blood clotting, sugar utilisation and blood vessel function.

TNF-alpha belongs to a family of proteins that all have a similar structure and bind to specific receptors on the cell surface. A related messenger is, for example, lymphotoxin-alpha (TNF-beta), which is mainly produced by lymphocytes.

TNF-alpha was originally named after its ability to kill tumour cells (tumour necrosis). However, this effect is only observed under certain conditions and is not the same for all tumour types. Today we know that TNF-alpha can also promote tumour growth or favour the formation of metastases.

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