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

Some biologics block tumor necrosis factor, a cytokine that increases inflammation, or interleukin-23, a cytokine that promotes immune cell communication and can drive inflammation. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 10 Feb. 2026

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

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