Tumor Necrosis Factor and the consequences of its ablation in vivo.

Although TNF has been discovered due to anti-tumor activity, its physiological functions are different. Current knowledge places TNF downstream of many receptors of innate immunity, implying its primary role in host defense and inflammation. When overproduced systemically or locally, TNF may exert deleterious effects on the organism. Anti-TNF therapy is highly efficient in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, due to TNF unique beneficial functions in immune system, such therapy cannot be entirely free of adverse effects. We review the current status of the field with the focus on drugs and strategies used for TNF ablation in vivo.