Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Tumor necrosis factor (often specifically Tumor necrosis factor alpha) (TNF (or TNF-α))
- Target
- TNF (or TNF-α)
- Molecular classification
- Cytokine, TNF superfamily member, Signaling molecule, Other
01
Overview
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted mainly by macrophages in response to infection, injury, or immune activation[2][5][8]. TNF-α is the most well-studied form, exerting its effects via two main receptors (TNFR1, TNFR2), and plays a central role in mediating inflammation, cell death, survival, and immune system regulation[2][3][4][6]. Many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are associated with abnormal TNF activity, making TNF (the protein, not its mRNA) a crucial therapeutic target for several biologic drugs[5]. The mRNA for tumor necrosis factor is involved in regulated translation and stability, but is not a classical drug target except in some gene expression-inhibiting approaches (antisense, RNAi)[2][7].
- Other names
- Tumor necrosis factor alphaTNF-αTNFcachectin
02
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of TNF-alpha–receptor interaction Neutralization of circulating TNF Blockade of TNF-mediated signaling
03
Biological functions
Immune responseInflammatory responseApoptosisCell survivalCell proliferation
04
Disease associations
CancerInflammationAutoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease)InfectionCardiovascular disease
05
Safety considerations
Risk of infection, especially tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections (due to immunosuppression)Possible risk of malignancy (deeply debated)Infusion reactions and immunogenicity (with biologics)Demyelinating disease exacerbation
06
Interacting drugs
Infliximab
5 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Serum TNF-alpha levels (for disease activity in inflammatory diseases)TNF gene polymorphisms (in some patient stratification efforts)
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Tumor necrosis factor (often specifically Tumor necrosis factor alpha) (TNF (or TNF-α)).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Tumor necrosis factor (often specifically Tumor necrosis factor alpha) (TNF (or TNF-α)).