Full Form of TNF:
The full form of TNF is the Tumor Necrosis Factor. It is a cytokine produced by immune cells that plays a key role in inflammation, immune response, and cell death regulation. TNF is primarily involved in fighting infections and cancerous cells but can also contribute to autoimmune diseases when overproduced. It is a crucial target in treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
What is the Tumor Necrosis Factor?
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells in response to infections and stress. It regulates immune responses, promotes inflammation, and triggers apoptosis. While essential for defense, excessive TNF can contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
History of TNF
The discovery of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) dates back to the 1970s when researchers identified a substance in the blood that could induce tumor cell death. This led to the isolation of TNF as a key cytokine involved in immune responses. Initially, TNF was studied for its potential in cancer treatment, but its broader role in inflammation and immune regulation soon became evident.
Over time, scientists uncovered TNF's involvement in autoimmune diseases, leading to the development of TNF inhibitors for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Today, TNF remains a critical target in immunotherapy, with ongoing research exploring its complex role in both health and disease.
TNF Gene and Its Protein Variants
Biological Functions of TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a crucial cytokine involved in immune regulation, inflammation, and cell survival. It plays a key role in defending against infections by activating immune cells, promoting apoptosis in harmful or damaged cells, and stimulating inflammatory responses. TNF also regulates processes like tissue repair and immune surveillance, making it essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Pathological Functions of TNF
While TNF is vital for immune defense, its overproduction is linked to various diseases. Excess TNF contributes to chronic inflammation, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. It also plays a role in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer progression by affecting cell death and proliferation. Targeting TNF through inhibitors has become a key strategy in treating autoimmune diseases.
Biological Functions of TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a crucial cytokine involved in immune regulation, inflammation, and cell survival. It plays a key role in defending against infections by activating immune cells, promoting apoptosis in harmful or damaged cells, and stimulating inflammatory responses. TNF also regulates processes like tissue repair and immune surveillance, making it essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Pathological Functions of TNF
While TNF is vital for immune defense, its overproduction is linked to various diseases. Excess TNF contributes to chronic inflammation, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. It also plays a role in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer progression by affecting cell death and proliferation. Targeting TNF through inhibitors has become a key strategy in treating autoimmune diseases.
Conclusion
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a vital cytokine involved in immune defense, inflammation, and cell regulation. While it plays a crucial role in fighting infections and promoting healing, excessive TNF activity can contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. Understanding TNF's functions has led to the development of targeted therapies that help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Proper regulation of TNF is essential for maintaining immune balance and overall health.
Use Vedantu’s expert-curated NEET study material to boost your preparation and achieve a high score in the exam.
NEET 2025 Study Material
Students can access the NEET Study Material from the table below:H2 - Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success
FAQs on TNF Full Form: Tumor Necrosis Factor
1. What is TNF responsible for?
TNF regulates immune responses, promotes inflammation, and helps fight infections by inducing cell death in harmful cells.
2. Is TNF a hormone?
No, TNF is a cytokine, not a hormone. It is a protein that mediates immune and inflammatory responses.
3. What is TNF in fever?
TNF triggers fever by stimulating the hypothalamus to raise body temperature as part of the immune defense.
4. What is the function of TNF-A?
TNF-A plays a key role in immune regulation, inflammation, and apoptosis, aiding in both protection and disease progression.
5. Is TNF good or bad?
TNF can be both good and bad—essential for immunity but harmful in excess, leading to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
6. How to reduce TNF naturally?
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, omega-3 fatty acids, and stress management can help lower TNF levels naturally.
7. What is the use of TNF?
TNF helps regulate immune responses, fight infections, and control tumor growth, but excessive levels can cause inflammation-related diseases.
8. Is tumor necrosis good or bad?
Tumor necrosis can be beneficial in killing cancer cells but may also indicate aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis.
9. What is the role of TNF in asthma?
TNF contributes to airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling, worsening asthma symptoms.
10. What is anti-TNF?
Anti-TNF refers to medications that inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation and treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
