TNF-α in Human Diseases

TNF-α is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by monycytes and macrophages. Excessive or prolonged production of TNF-α has been implicated in inflammatory processes as well as in the pathogenesis of other human diseases. There are a number of strategies for inhibiting TNF-α activity ranging from transcriptional events to neutralization of the soluble cytokine. Several of these approaches are being pursued in the clinic, suggesting that some novel, anti-cytokine agents may come to the market in the near future.