TNF a Rat

TNF-α is a member of the TNF superfamily and is produced primarily by activated macrophages, although it can also be secreted by a variety of other cell types, including lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and endothelial cells . The recombinant form of TNF-α, specifically from rats, is often produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. This recombinant protein is typically tagged with a His-tag to facilitate purification and detection .

TNF-α exerts its effects by binding to two distinct receptors: TNFR1 and TNFR2. These receptors initiate different signaling pathways that can lead to diverse cellular outcomes, including cell survival, apoptosis, and inflammation . The TNFR1 receptor is primarily responsible for mediating the apoptotic and inflammatory responses, while TNFR2 is more involved in immune regulation and tissue regeneration .

1. Inflammation: TNF-α is a key mediator of the inflammatory response. It promotes the recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection or injury and stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines .
2. Apoptosis: TNF-α can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in certain cell types, which is a critical mechanism for controlling cell proliferation and eliminating damaged or infected cells .
3. Immune System Regulation: TNF-α plays a role in the development and function of the immune system. It is involved in the activation and differentiation of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages .
4. Lipid Metabolism: TNF-α influences lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and breakdown .

The recombinant form of TNF-α has been utilized in various research and clinical settings. In cancer treatment, TNF-α has shown potential in the regional treatment of locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas and metastatic melanomas . It acts synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance their efficacy by targeting tumor-associated vasculature and increasing the permeability of tumor blood vessels .