TNF a Antibody

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including immune response, inflammation, and apoptosis. It plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers .

TNF-α was first identified in the 1970s as a factor that could induce tumor regression in mice . It is a member of the TNF superfamily, which includes proteins with similar structures and functions. TNF-α is initially synthesized as a 26 kDa transmembrane protein (pro-TNF-α) and is later cleaved by the TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) to release the 17 kDa soluble form .

TNF-α is produced by various cell types, including macrophages, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. It is involved in several biological processes:

• Immunomodulation: TNF-α regulates immune cell function and promotes the activation and proliferation of T cells and macrophages .
• Inflammation: It is a key mediator of the inflammatory response, inducing the production of other cytokines and chemokines .
• Apoptosis: TNF-α can trigger cell death through the activation of apoptotic pathways .

Increased production of TNF-α has been implicated in various diseases:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): TNF-α is a major contributor to the inflammatory processes in RA, leading to joint damage and pain .
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Elevated levels of TNF-α are associated with the chronic inflammation observed in IBD .
• Cancer: TNF-α can promote tumor growth and metastasis by inducing angiogenesis and suppressing immune surveillance .

Transgenic mice expressing human TNF-α (hTNF-α) have been developed to study the effects of TNF-α in vivo. These models are valuable for understanding the role of TNF-α in disease and for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions . For example, hTNF-α transgenic mice have been used to study rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and metabolic disorders .

Targeting TNF-α has become a therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory diseases. TNF-α inhibitors, such as monoclonal antibodies and soluble TNF receptors, have been developed and are used clinically to manage conditions like RA and IBD .