Tumor necrosis factor (TNF; formerly known as TNFα) and lymphotoxin (LT) α, originally
characterized by their ability to induce tumor cell apoptosis and cachexia, are now
considered as central mediators of a broad range of biological activities. These activities
encompass beneficial effects for the host in inflammation and in protective immune
responses against a variety of infectious pathogens. TNF family members on the other hand
also exert host-damaging effects in sepsis, in tumor cachexia as well as in autoimmune …