Human TNF-alpha ELISA Kit

Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine within the TNF superfamily. The biologically active form of TNF alpha exists as a homotrimer with a molecular mass of 52 kDa, whereas the monomeric form is not biologically active. In humans, TNF alpha is synthesized as a transmembrane protein and assembled intracellularly to form the noncovalently linked homotrimer, which is then expressed on the cell surface. It is primarily produced by macrophages/monocytes during acute inflammation and plays a crucial role in various signaling events within cells, leading to necrosis or apoptosis. Additionally, TNF alpha is essential for resistance to infections and cancers. TNF alpha exerts many of its effects by binding to either TNFR-1 or TNFR-2. Both receptor types bind TNF alpha with comparable affinity and can activate NF-κB. However, only TNFR-1 contains a cytoplasmic death domain that triggers apoptosis activation. Soluble forms of both receptor types are present in human serum and urine, capable of neutralizing the biological activity of TNF alpha.

Physiologically, TNF alpha plays a vital role in regulating normal immune responses. However, its inappropriate or excessive production can be detrimental, potentially leading to the onset of various diseases. The involvement of TNF alpha in pathological conditions such as asthma, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, septic shock, autoimmunity, and cancer underscores its significance as a key cytokine in both research and clinical application within the field of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.