Tumor necrosis factor receptor-mediated inflammatory pathway (TNF receptor-mediated pathway (no universal abbreviation for the entire pathway, but "TNFR" is used for receptors))

The **inflammatory pathway mediated by tumor necrosis factor family receptors** encompasses a network of cell-surface proteins known as the *tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily* (TNFRSF). These integral membrane glycoproteins bind ligands from the *tumor necrosis factor superfamily*—a group of cytokines including tumor necrosis factors α and β—and initiate intracellular signal cascades that regulate immune responses, inflammation, apoptosis, cell survival/proliferation, and tissue homeostasis. Key members such as *Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1* (*TNFRSF1A*) and *Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2* (*TNFRSF1B*) mediate both beneficial immune defense mechanisms and pathological processes underlying chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Therapeutic agents targeting these pathways have revolutionized treatment for several autoimmune diseases but carry risks related to immunosuppression.

Other names

TNF signaling pathwayTNFR signalingTumor necrosis factor superfamily signalingTNFSF/TNFRSF pathways

Drugs targeting this system typically act by blocking the binding of tumor necrosis factors to their receptors, thereby inhibiting downstream pro-inflammatory signal transduction. This can be achieved through monoclonal antibodies against TNFα or soluble decoy receptors that sequester ligand.