tumor necrosis factor

noun

: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins and that mediates inflammation and induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells

Examples of tumor necrosis factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Biologics: Biologics, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor antibodies and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, may help reduce inflammation and symptoms by targeting specific proteins or cells in the immune system. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 2 May 2025

Training didn’t seem to make any difference for tumor necrosis factor alpha, another inflammatory molecule. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 8 Apr. 2025

These include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024

High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor inhibit the natural rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle, Wirth says. —Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 18 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tumor necrosis factor

• acter
• actor
• tractor
• attractor
• cofactor
• compactor
• contactor
• contractor
• distractor
• extractor
• impactor
• protractor

Medical Definition

tumor necrosis factor

noun

: a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response especially to endotoxins, that mediates inflammation, and that induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells

—abbreviation TNF