The antibody binds specifically to TNF-alpha，a pro-inflammatory cytokine which stimulates release of other cytiokines e.g. IL-1，IL-6 and GM-CSF as well as secretion of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 from endothelial cells. It stimulates acute phase responses and acts as a chemoattractant for NK cells and monocytes/macrophages. The antibody reached Phase II clinical trials with Celltech，UCB.
