Tumor necrosis factor beta (TNFbeta), also known as lymphotoxin, is a pleiotropic cytokine. TNFalpha, also known as cachetin, is a cytokine that binds to the same receptors, producing an array of effects similar to those of TNFbeta. TNFbeta and TNFalpha share 30% amino acid homology and have similar biological activities. TNFbeta is produced by activated lymphocytes, including CD4+ T helper cell type 1 lymphocytes, CD8+ lymphocytes and certain B lymphoblastoid cell lines. TNFalpha is produced by several different cell types, including lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. TNFbeta and TNFalpha can modulate many immune and inflammatory functions while having the ability to inhibit tumor growth. TACE (for TNFalpha converting enzyme) is a metalloproteinase that cleaves the membrane-bound TNFalpha precursor to release soluble TNFalpha.
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