Multifaceted role of TNF-α during the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α ) a cytokine has been shown to be the key player during the pathogenesis of several autoimmune inflammatory disor ders (presumably sterile inflammation) including rheu matoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have shown that TNF- α is mainly involved in the proinflammatory responses. However recent studies have reported multifunctional role of TNF- α during the development of RA. Therefore, in this article we have highlighted the distinct functions of TNF- α during pathogenesis of RA.