TNF alpha Homology Across Species

TNF alpha is involved in systemic inflammation and is a member of a group of cytokines that stimulate the acute phase reaction. It is produced mainly by activated macrophages.

TNF alpha is able to induce fever, apoptotic cell death, sepsis (through IL-1 & IL-6 production), cachexia, and inflammation, as well as to inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication. Because of the broad role of TNF alpha, dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of diseases.