Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),computer model. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (grey),hydrogen (white),oxygen (red) and nitrogen (blue). Disulphide bridges are yellow. This protein generally exists as a trimer (a molecule consisting of 3 identical smaller molecules,seen here). It is released by white blood cells,mainly macrophages,during inflammatory immune responses,and acts as a signalling molecule. Its release is triggered by injury or bacterial endotoxins. One of its actions is to kill tumour cells,hence its name. TNF-alpha is also involved in a number of inflammatory illnesses,including rheumatoid arthritis,psoriasis and Crohn's disease |