Q J Med 2001; 94: 237-246
© 2001 Association of Physicians
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Tumour necrosis factor polymorphisms in rheumatic diseases
From the Centre For Rheumatic Diseases, University Department of Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
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Introduction |
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Tumour necrosis factor
(TNF)
is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis
of many infections and inflammatory diseases.
1 It was identified through its ability to lyse tumour cells,2 but in retrospect this ability
was first noted nearly 100 years ago, when Coley's toxins were shown
to destroy sarcoma cells. TNF is now recognized to be involved
in stimulation of cytokine production, enhancing expression of adhesion molecules
and neutrophil activation, and it is also a co-stimulator for T-cell
activation and antibody production by B cells.
1 As such, it contributes to the regulation of normal homeostasis,
as well as playing an important role in inflammation.
TNF belongs to a family of proteins that includes lymphotoxin
(LT, previously known as TNFß)
and lymphotoxin ß (LTß). Although T
cells can produce TNF, activated monocytes (macrophages)
are the major source of TNF, which
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Polymorphisms in the TNF genes in rheumatic diseases |
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Ankylosing spondylitis
Vasculitides
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Function of the polymorphisms in the TNF genes |
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Conclusions |
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Acknowledgments |
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Notes |
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References |
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