Description
TNF-α is a 17.5 kD protein that mediates inflammation and immunity caused by the invasion of viruses, bacteria, and parasites by initiating a cascade of cytokines that increase vascular permeability, thus bringing macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection. TNF-α secreted by the macrophage causes the blood to clot which provides containment of the infection. TNF-α binding to surface receptors brings about various biologic activities that include cytolysis and cytostasis of many tumor cell lines In vitro, hemorraghic necrosis of tumors In vivo, increased fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced chemotaxis and phagocytosis in neutrophils