1. [The dual role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) during a malarial attack].
- Author
-
Brandts CH, Mordmüller BG, Lehman LG, and Kremsner PG
- Subjects
- Animals, Antimalarials therapeutic use, Humans, Macrophages physiology, Malaria prevention & control, Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor physiology, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha adverse effects, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha therapeutic use, Malaria physiopathology, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha physiology
- Abstract
The roles of the various factors implicated in the pathogenesis of severe malaria are not well understood. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine produced mainly by macrophages, seems to play a crucial role in both the host's defence against the parasite and the development of severe complications. This review investigates the dual role of TNF in acute malaria, summarizing current knowledge of the beneficial and detrimental effects of this molecule. Recent work has suggested a possible explanation for this dualism, involving a complex interaction between TNF and its soluble receptors.
- Published
- 1997