tumor necrosis factor alpha

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine and a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. In the clinical research context led by Rigshospitalet, Denmark, recombinant TNF-alpha is utilized as an experimental intravenous infusion to induce a controlled state of systemic inflammation in healthy volunteers and patients. This model is designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance and stress hyperglycemia that occur during critical illness. TNF-alpha exerts its biological effects by binding to its cognate receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, which triggers downstream signaling cascades that promote inflammatory responses and impair insulin receptor signaling, thereby mimicking the metabolic stress observed in intensive care settings.

Other names

CachectinTumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 2TNFSF2TNFSF-2TNFSF 2TNF