what is tnf
Tumor necrosis factors (or the TNF family) refer to a group of cytokines that can cause cell death (apoptosis).The first two members of the family to be identified were: 1  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), formerly known as TNFÎ± or TNF alpha, is the best-known member of this class.2  Lymphotoxin-alpha, formerly known as Tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-Î²), is a cytokine that is inhibited by interleukin 10.umor necrosis factors (or the TNF family) refer to a group of cytokines that can cause cell death (apoptosis). The first two members of the family to be identified were: