Tumor Necrosis Factor

Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a member of a superfamily of proteins, each with 157 amino acids, which induce necrosis (death) of tumour cells and possess a wide range of proinflammatory actions. Tumour necrosis factor is a multifunctional cytokine with effects on lipid metabolism, coagulation, insulin resistance, and the function of endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Blocking the action of TNF has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the inflammation in inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Inappropriate production of TNF or sustained activation of TNF signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of human diseases that include cancer, osteoporosis, sepsis, diabetes, and auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Extensive research within the last two decades has shown that TNF can be a potential therapeutic agent in various diseases. This new important book gathers the latest research from around the globe in this field.