The role of a molecule called TNF in tissue swelling

An investigation into the role of TNF in neutrophil-mediated microvascular plasma protein leakage

Professor Sussan Nourshargh and colleagues at the William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary, University of London, have been awarded a grant to understand the role of a molecule called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in rapid tissue swelling (oedema). Tissue swelling occurs because of leakage of plasma out of tiny blood vessels as a response to infection or inflammation. It is part of our body’s defence against infection and injury as it provides a way through which blood plasma containing essential protective proteins is delivered to sites of inflammation. However, tissue swelling can occur in cardiovascular inflammatory conditions, and can be damaging. Tumour necrosis factor is produced by certain types of white blood cell to defend against infection, as it induces inflammation. This research group will study whether TNF produced by white blood cells is involved in the development of tissue swelling, and how TNF may cause this blood vessel leakage. This study’s results could suggest if it may be worth using TNF blockers to reduce tissue swelling in the clinic.