tumor necrosis factor

noun

: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins and that mediates inflammation and induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells

Examples of tumor necrosis factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike some traditional ulcerative colitis therapies like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, Skyrizi is less likely to cause severe side effects. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 28 June 2024

The second is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023

High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor inhibit the natural rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle, Wirth says. —Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 18 Mar. 2023

Three cell-signaling molecules—tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and interferon beta—stood out in long COVID patients. —Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tumor necrosis factor

noun

: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins, that mediates inflammation, and that induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells

—abbreviation TNF