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Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha

Meaning

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha ($text{TNF}-alpha$) is a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine, a type of signaling protein, primarily produced by macrophages and other immune cells in response to infection or injury. It plays a pivotal, albeit complex, role in systemic inflammation, immune cell regulation, and the acute phase response. While essential for host defense and the elimination of tumor cells, chronic, excessive $text{TNF}-alpha$ signaling is a key driver of pathology in various autoimmune diseases and is strongly implicated in promoting insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Managing its activity is a significant therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory conditions.