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Noun: tumor necrosis factor
Usage: US (=tumour necrosis factor)
  1. A proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)
    - tumour necrosis factor [Brit, Cdn], TNF

Derived forms: tumor necrosis factors

Type of: cytokine

Encyclopedia: Tumor necrosis factor