Regulation of TNF-α on cell survival conditions and its relationship with ophthalmological disorders

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key molecule of the inflammatory response, and plays a significant role in regulating cell survival and death.Many studies demonstrate that TNF-α may be implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions.Inhibiting the activity of TNF-α can dramatically improve the manifestations of many diseases.This review introduced the structural and functional characters of TNF-α and its receptors, and then summarized the regulating mechanisms TNF-α on cell survival、apoptosis and necroptosis.Besides, combining with the newly achievements of clinical and fundamental researches, this review analyzed the connections between TNF-α and common disorders in ophthalmology, such as the inflammation of retina and cornea, choroidal neovascularization, and summarized the clinical application and efficacy of infliximab, TNF-α monoclonal antibody.This review may provide references for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in ophthalmology and scientific researches in the future.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha; Apoptosis; Necroptosis; Ophthalmology diseases; Infliximab