TNF-beta (tumor necrosis factor beta, lymphotoxin alpha, TNFSF1, TNF ligand superfamily member 1) a member of the TNF ligand superfamily and a potent lymphoid factor, is mainly produced by activated T and B lymphocytes and leukocytes. TNF-beta is also produced by fibroblasts, astrocytes, myeloma cells, endothelial cells and epithelial cells. TNF-beta mediates inflammatory and immune responses, has cytotoxic activity on tumor cells and other target cells and shares many of the same bioactivities as TNF alpha, including regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. TNF-beta is not species-specific and human TNF-beta is active on murine cells with a slightly reduced specific activity.