Definition

A recombinant fusion protein composed of the human pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and the immunostimulatory peptide thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1), with potential immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. Although the mechanism underlying its antineoplastic activity has not been fully elucidated, upon administration of recombinant TNFalpha-Ta1 fusion protein, the TNFalpha moiety may induce an immune response, which lead to apoptosis and tumor cell death, tumor vascular destruction and tumor necrosis. The Ta1 moiety may interact with various Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which may promote the production of various cytokines and enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against tumor cells.