Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Noun: tumor necrosis factor
Usage: US (elsewhere: tumour necrosis factor)
  1. A proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)
    "The drug works by blocking tumor necrosis factor";
    - tumour necrosis factor [Brit, Cdn], TNF

Derived forms: tumor necrosis factors

Type of: cytokine

Encyclopedia: Tumor necrosis factor