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The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily mainly consists of the TNF ligand superfamily (TNFSF) and the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). The members of TNFSF mainly include TNF-α, TNF-β, CD30 ligand, Fas ligand, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), etc. TNFSF plays an essential role in cell apoptosis. TNFSF regulates cell functions, contributing to the development, maturation, and activation of B cells, T cells, and DC cells, among others. It also partially affects B cells' ability to express antigens and immune response regulators. TNFSF is also involved in a variety of pathophysiological states, including autoimmune, cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancer diseases, and is currently a focus of drug discovery and biomedical research.
Figure 1. A diagrammatic representation of the ligands of the TNF superfamily and their receptors. (Aggarwal B B, 2003)
As a cytokine, TNF-α is a crucial factor in immune responses, promoting inflammation, cell growth and maturation, programmed cell death, and necrosis. Research has demonstrated that TNF-α can inhibit the replication of various strains of influenza viruses and has potent antiviral properties. As an endogenous pyrogen, it can cause fever, apoptosis, and sepsis by inducing the production of IL-1 and IL-6, cachexia, and inflammation, and preventing tumorigenesis and viral replication. However, excessive expression of TNF-α has been associated with the onset of multiple diseases including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
TNF-β is a lymphokine glycoprotein produced by activated T-lymphocytes and exerts its effects by binding to its receptor. TNF-β is a cytokine with a wide range of biological activities, and its antitumor effect and cytotoxicity were first noted, followed by its antiviral activity. Due to its superior antitumor effect compared to TNF-α, it holds great potential for medicinal purposes as an immunotherapeutic agent. All Peyer's lymphoid aggregates and lymph nodes failed to develop in TNF-β knockout mice, suggesting the significance of TNF-β in regards to immune development.
Numerous studies have found that TNFSF9 plays an important role in infectious inflammation, tumors, and autoimmune diseases. Disruption of TNFSF9 signaling ameliorates herpes simplex virus keratitis (HSK) and RA but exacerbates the symptoms of lacrimal gland disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, TNFSF9 is involved in the immune regulation of various tumors, including gastric, pancreatic, and hepatocellular carcinomas.
TNFRSF17 is a member of TNFRSF, also known as B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). The binding of TNFRSF17 to ligands activates a series of intracellular signaling pathways such as p38, EIk, etc. TNFRSF17 plays an important role in Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma (MM), and autoimmune diseases. The expression of TNFRSF17 was found to be significantly higher in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and RA.
Creative BioMart, as an advanced biotechnology company, is focused on providing a range of high-quality GMP-grade TNF superfamily cytokines and related customized services to advance inflammation and autoimmune research. If you are interested in our products or services, please contact us.
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