TNF Superfamily

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a major inflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells. TNF (TNF-α) was first identified for its ability to causes necrosis of tumors. TNF-α is mainly produced by macrophages, whereas TNF-β is mainly produced by T lymphocytes. TNF plays important roles in diverse cellular events such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death.
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily is currently composed of 19 structurally related cytokines of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF) and 29 their receptors (TNF receptor superfamily, TNFRSF). TNF superfamily ligands are trimeric type II transmembrane proteins characterized by a conserved C-terminal TNF homology domains (THD). TNF-superfamily members induce apoptosis, proliferation, survival or differentiation at the cellular level.