Description

Elisa kit for the detection of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) in human serum.

Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) also named cachectin, is a 157 A.A. unglycosylated polypeptide cytokine mainly produced by activated macrophages (monocytes). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the cell-wall component of gram-negative bacteria (endotoxin), is a potent stimulus for TNF-α production by macrophages and TNF-α is an important mediator of the well-known in vivo effects of LPS such as tumour hemorrhagic necrosis, fever, shock and activation of neutrophils. The various biological activities of TNF-α may be classified as:  Antitumoral and growth regulatory activities: TNF-α displays a selective toxicity for tumor and virusinfected cells. Conversely, it is angiogenic and stimulates the growth of cultured fibroblasts.  Immunomodulatory and proinflammatory activities: TNF-α activates macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils, as well as endothelial cells (which display procoagulant activity). It regulates the production of antibodies by B cells and stimulates cytotoxic T cells. It induces the production of several other inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6, colony stimulating factors, prostaglandins, platelet-activating factor (PAF), collagenases, etc.  Metabolic activities: TNF-α strongly inhibits lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte gene expression.