TNF-alpha is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by various cells including adipocytes, activated monocytes, macrophages, B cells, T cells and fibroblasts. It belongs to the TNF family of ligands and signals through two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNF-alpha is cytotoxic to a wide variety of tumor cells and is an essential factor in mediating the immune response against bacterial infections. TNF-alpha also plays a role in the induction of septic shock, auto immune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, and diabetes. Alternative Names: TNF-a protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor protein, Necrosin protein, TNF-alpha protein, TNFa protein, TNFSF2 protein, DIF protein, Differentiation-inducing factor protein, Cachectin protein, Cytotoxin protein