Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) is a cytokine protein that plays an essential role in inducing the systemic inflammatory response, being expressed in tissues throughout the body. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, TNF alpha causes negative clinical effects. These can be controlled by inhibitory TNF antibody drugs, a number of which are now on the market. We at Novus Biologicals have an extensive range of TNF alpha antibodies.
TNF alpha is expressed by a number of cell types, primarily macrophages. TNF antibody research has shown the protein to have a number of effects, both positive and negative. In mice, it causes tumor necrosis when injected into tumor sites, and studies have shown it can inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and inhibit viral replication. It has also shown a cytotoxic role in cells which have undergone genetic alteration, but can be toxic in vascular endothelial cells. It can stimulate growth and proliferation of certain cell lines, including fibroblasts, neutrophils and osteoclasts. Mutations of the TNF alpha gene are linked to a number of diseases, including cancer, while overexpression of the normal protein can lead to toxic shock and endotoxemia.
While TNF alpha antibody therapy is proving useful in combating autoimmune disease, the recombinant protein has also proven useful, being released as an immunostimulant, under the international non-proprietary name of Tasonermin. Studies are also being conducted into its use as a therapeutic tool in cancer and AIDS.
Recent research into the therapeutic use of TNF antibodies has centered on the skin disorder Hidradenitis Suppurativa. In 2009, Haslund, et al. published research showing promising results with the TNF alpha antibody products Infliximab, Adalimumab and Etanercept.
Novus Biologicals offers many TNF alpha reagents for your research needs including:
