Description: The human TNF-alpha ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitative detection of human TNF-alpha. The human TNF-alpha ELISA is for research use only. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic
procedures.
Tumor Necrosis Factor is a polypeptide cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages. It functions as a multipotent modulator of immune response and further acts as a potent pyrogen. TNF-alpha circulates throughout the body responding to stimuli (infectious agents or tissue injury), activating neutrophils, altering the properties of vascular endothelial cells, regulating metabolic activities of other tissues, as well as exhibiting tumoricidal activity by inducing localized blood clotting. TNF-alpha also inhibits lipoprotein lipase activity resulting in cachexia, a physical wasting condition. Activation of B-cells by the Epstein Barr virus can be inhibited by TNF-alpha. Due to its varied actions throughout the immune system, TNF-alpha may play a role in the pathogenesis of many disease states.
TNF-alpha production is mediated by the action of lymphokines and endotoxins on the macrophage. Purified monocytes produce TNF-alpha within four hours of stimulation by recombinant IL-2 and there is some in vitro evidence to suggest that TNF-alpha is expressed at high levels and with prolonged kinetics in T cells stimulated by both CD2 and CD28. Secretion of TNF-alpha is enhanced by gamma interferon. TNF then induces or enhances the specific production of Class I MHC antigen, GM-CSF, and IL-1.
