Mini-review: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF soluble receptors (TNF-sR) in liver disease and liver transplantation.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a powerful cytokine with an important role in the inflammatory acute phase response and in the activation of the immune system. It exerts its action through the adherence to cellular receptors, known as the TNF-R55 und TNF-R75. High levels of these receptors are present in the blood in a soluble form and binding circulating TNF can neutralise its systemic effects. Although the knowledge on the biology of TNF and TNF-sR is progressing rapidly, little is known on the action of this cytokine and of its soluble receptors in liver disease and liver transplantation. The literature on the subject is reviewed, and trends for future research are discussed.