Tumor necrosis factor alpha in autoimmunity: pretty girl or old witch?
The role of TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders is poorly understood. Evidence in favor of a pathogenic role has come mainly from in vitro experiments, while in vivo studies in animal models have suggested a protective role. In this article, Chaim Jacob attempts to reconcile these apparently contradictory studies.
Jacob
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Dept of Inflammation Biology and Immunology, Syntex Research, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology*
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha