About
- Tumour Necrosis Factoris a pro-inflammatory cytokine with multiple roles in the immune system
- It is secreted mainly by macrophages and acts mainly in a paracrine fashion
- Activates macrophages and neutrophils
- Acts as costimulator for T cell activation
- Key mediator of bodies response to gram NEGATIVE septicemia
- Similar properties to IL-1
- Anti-tumour effect (e.g. Phospholipase activation)
- Pharmacologic inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease such as Crohn’s or psoriasis increases the risk of developing active tuberculosis among those with latent infection.
- TNF-alpha binds to p55 and p75 receptors, these receptors can induce apoptosis. It also cause activation of NFkB
TNF blockers
- Infliximab: monoclonal antibody, IV administration
- Etanercept: fusion protein that reversibly binds soluble TNF receptors, subcutaneous administration
- Adalimumab: monoclonal antibody, subcutaneous administration
- Adverse effects of TNF blockers include reactivation of latent TB and demyelination
- Infliximab is also used in active Crohn's disease unresponsive to steroids