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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
10:15

Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties

Published on: June 19, 2015

Antitumour activity of mononuclear phagocytes: role of tumour necrosis factor alpha

M Spatafora1, M Gjomarkaj, A Merendino

  • 1Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiopatologia Respiratoria, Università di Palermo, Italy.

Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) is a cytokine from mononuclear phagocytes that can kill tumour cells. This review explores TNF's role in enhancing the host immune system's fight against cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) is a cytokine produced by mononuclear phagocytes (MP).
  • Initially identified for its cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
  • TNF also modulates host defense mechanisms against malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of TNF's function.
  • To highlight TNF's role in the anti-tumor activity mediated by MP.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on TNF and MP.
  • Synthesis of current concepts regarding TNF's mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

  • TNF exhibits direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
  • TNF plays a multifaceted role in augmenting anti-tumor immune responses.
  • MP-derived TNF is crucial for effective anti-cancer immunity.

Conclusions:

  • TNF is a key mediator in the anti-tumorigenic functions of mononuclear phagocytes.
  • Understanding TNF's role is vital for developing novel cancer immunotherapies.

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