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
The second is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023
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
Three cell-signaling molecules—tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and interferon beta—stood out in long COVID patients.
—Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2023
The liberation of tumor necrosis factor and immune-stimulating cytokines by metalloproteases and the release of bioactive lipids by phospholipases cause immune cells to rush to the wound.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2016
Both of these drugs work by interfering with an immune system molecule called tumor necrosis factor, or TNF.
—Markham Heid, Time, 10 Jan. 2023
The new study, which was presented in March at a virtual meeting of the American Physical Society, focused on the effects of a signaling molecule called tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF.
—Nala Rogers, Discover Magazine, 2 June 2021
One protein that stood out in the study was tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is made by the immune system to regulate inflammation.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Apr. 2022
The new Boxed Warning for JAK inhibitors also comes with the recommendation that doctors only approve them if patients haven't responded to, or cannot tolerate, other medications known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.
—Korin Miller, Health.com, 8 Feb. 2022
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023
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
Three cell-signaling molecules—tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and interferon beta—stood out in long COVID patients.
—Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2023
The liberation of tumor necrosis factor and immune-stimulating cytokines by metalloproteases and the release of bioactive lipids by phospholipases cause immune cells to rush to the wound.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2016
Both of these drugs work by interfering with an immune system molecule called tumor necrosis factor, or TNF.
—Markham Heid, Time, 10 Jan. 2023
The new study, which was presented in March at a virtual meeting of the American Physical Society, focused on the effects of a signaling molecule called tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF.
—Nala Rogers, Discover Magazine, 2 June 2021
One protein that stood out in the study was tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is made by the immune system to regulate inflammation.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Apr. 2022
The new Boxed Warning for JAK inhibitors also comes with the recommendation that doctors only approve them if patients haven't responded to, or cannot tolerate, other medications known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.
—Korin Miller, Health.com, 8 Feb. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tumor necrosis factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1975, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of tumor necrosis factor was
in 1975
Dictionary Entries Near tumor necrosis factor
Cite this Entry
“Tumor necrosis factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumor%20necrosis%20factor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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
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