Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an intricate role in immune defense mechanisms. Over the past decades, studies have demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and interleukin-6, may play an important role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and depression. More recently, studies suggested an additional association of TNF-α with cardiovascular disease, which has attracted much attention. People with psoriasis, cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart failure or myocardial infarction [MI]), and depression have been found to have higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α. This article reviews the roles of TNF-α in psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
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