TNF-alpha is mainly produced by activated macrophages, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells [14].

What triggers TNF alpha?

Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), is an inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages/monocytes during acute inflammation and is responsible for a diverse range of signalling events within cells, leading to necrosis or apoptosis. The protein is also important for resistance to infection and cancers.

How is TNF activated?

Induction of cellular responses to tumor necrosis factor occurs through two receptors, TNFR1 (TNF Receptor-1 or CD120a) and TNFR2 (TNF Receptor-2 or CD120b). TNFR1 is activated in most human tissues by the binding of TNFα. TNFR2 is expressed in immune cells and is activated by both TNFα and TNFβ.