tumor necrosis factor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A specific protein (cytokine): "tumor necrosis factor" is a proinflammatory cytokine produced primarily by certain white blood cells, including monocytes and macrophages. It plays a complex role in the immune system, capable of causing cell death in some tumors (an antineoplastic effect) but also involved in promoting inflammation, which can contribute to diseases.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- High levels of tumor necrosis factor are associated with the inflammation seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Researchers are studying drugs that block tumor necrosis factor to treat autoimmune disorders.
- The cytokine tumor necrosis factor can induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines.
Advanced Usage
"Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)": This is the most common and specific form referred to in medical literature.
- The patient's serum was tested for tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
"TNF inhibitor": A class of drugs that block the action of this cytokine.
- Her rheumatoid arthritis is managed with a TNF inhibitor.
Variants and Related Words
TNF: A common abbreviation for "tumor necrosis factor."
- The test measures TNF levels.
Cachectin: An older, historical synonym for tumor necrosis factor, highlighting its role in wasting (cachexia).
- Cachectin, now known as TNF, was first identified for its role in severe weight loss.
Synonyms
- Cytokine: A broad category of signaling proteins to which tumor necrosis factor belongs.
- TNF-α: The specific alpha form of this factor.
Related Phrases
TNF receptor: The protein on a cell's surface that tumor necrosis factor binds to in order to exert its effects.
- The drug works by binding to the TNF receptor.
Anti-TNF therapy: A treatment approach using drugs that target tumor necrosis factor.
- He started anti-TNF therapy for his Crohn's disease.
Noun
- a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)