Function
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine which can cause apoptosis. TNFα is implicated in tumor regression, septic shock, inflammation and cachexia (wasting syndrome). It is involved in the regulation of the immune cells[1]. TNFβ is inhibited by interleukin 10. TNF is a transmembrane homotrimer. The soluble TNF is produced by cleavage by the metalloprotease TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE or ADAM17 see A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase). See also TRAIL and Molecular Playground/TRAIL.
Relevance
TNF is studied as both a target and a therapeutic in malignant diseases[2].
Structural highlights
The biological assembly of human tumor necrosis factor is (PDB entry 2az5). .
