tumor necrosis factor n a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and macrophages in response esp. to endotoxins, that mediates inflammation, and that induces the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells abbr. TNF
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(TNF) either of two lymphokines that are capable of causing in vivo hemorrhagic necrosis of certain tumor cells, but not affecting normal cells; they have been used as experimental anticancer agents but can also induce shock when bacterial endotoxins cause their release. Tumor necrosis factor α, contains 157 amino acids and is produced by macrophages, eosinophils, and NK cells. Tumor necrosis factor β is lymphotoxin and contains 171 amino acids.Medical dictionary. 2011.