tumor necrosis factor alpha short hairpin RNA

Tumor necrosis factor alpha short hairpin RNA (TNF-α shRNA) is an experimental gene therapy that utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) technology to selectively silence the expression of the TNF-α gene. The therapeutic consists of an shRNA sequence designed to target and promote the degradation of TNF-α messenger RNA (mRNA), thereby preventing the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. In oncological contexts, particularly ovarian cancer, it is used to disrupt autocrine and paracrine cytokine networks that drive tumor dissemination, neovascularization, and immune evasion. Delivery is typically achieved through viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV-2) or lentivirus, or via plasmid transfection. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its potential in reducing tumor invasiveness and treating inflammatory conditions like pulmonary hypertension and prosthetic joint loosening.

Other names

shRNA-TNF-αtumor necrosis factor-alpha short hairpin RNATNF-alpha shRNA