noun
a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)
• Syn: ↑tumour necrosis factor, ↑TNF
• Hypernyms: ↑cytokine
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noun : a protein 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 leukocytes
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a protein, produced in humans and other animals, that is destructive to cells showing abnormally rapid growth: identical with cachectin. Abbr.: TNF
Useful english dictionary. 2012.