Definition: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is a type of messenger protein known as a cytokine that is produced by white blood cells. TNF is important to the body because it helps regulate the response of the immune system to a foreign object, especially a cancerous tumor. It promotes inflammation, prompts the production of other cells used in the inflammatory response, and can help cells heal.
TNF is also found in higher amounts in people with Crohn's disease than in people who do not have Crohn's disease. Therefore, it is thought to play a role in the development and/or continuance of Crohn's disease.
Some medical treatments for Crohn's disease involve targeting the TNF protein and binding it before it can produce inflammation. Two such anti-TNF drugs are Remicade and Humira.
Also Known As: Tumor necrosis factor
