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Tumour-necrosis factor from the rabbit. III. Relationship to interferons
British Journal of Cancer
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) exhibits cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and was investigated for its relationship with interferons. Research indicates TNF is not an interferon, as it can be separated and possesses distinct properties.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) demonstrates growth-inhibitory and cytotoxic properties against specific tumor cell lines.
- TNF is detected in rabbit serum following injections of BCG and endotoxin.
- TNF serum also exhibits interferon activity, prompting an investigation into the relationship between TNF and interferons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) and interferons.
- To determine if TNF is a type of interferon based on shared properties and distinct characteristics.
Main Methods:
- TNF activity was quantified using in vitro cytotoxicity assays against L cells.
- Interferon activity was measured via CPE-inhibition assays with Semliki Forest virus.
- Biochemical separation techniques including column chromatography and salt precipitation were employed.
Main Results:
- TNF activity was successfully separated from Type I interferon in TNF serum using Cibacron blue-agarose chromatography and sequential purification steps.
- Type I interferons induced by poly I:C or virus lacked TNF activity.
- Rabbit TNF demonstrated distinct properties compared to Type II interferons from other species and inhibited human melanoma cell growth, unlike the species-specific effects of interferons.
Conclusions:
- Tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) is biochemically and functionally distinct from Type I and Type II interferons.
- TNF possesses anti-cancer properties that are not species-specific, differentiating it from interferons.