Tumor necrosis factor as a pharmacological target.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was originally described as a molecule with antitumor properties released by macrophages stimulated with bacterial products. Almost at the same time that TNF was cloned, it was found to be identical to cachectin, a mediator of cachexia. After the finding of this second aspect of TNF action, several studies demonstrated its role as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These studies led to the use of anti-TNF molecules in rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The various strategies used to inhibit TNF are summarized.
Ghezzi
Pietro
P
Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy.
Cerami
Anthony
A
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D004731:Endotoxins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha