Recombinant Human TNF-Alpha Protein: Selection Guide for Research

Beta LifeScience offers Recombinant Human TNF-alpha proteins for cell signaling, inflammation, apoptosis, receptor-binding and drug-discovery research. Available options include E. coli- and HEK293-expressed proteins, tag-free and tagged formats, animal-free production, ultra-low endotoxin levels, and GMP-manufactured or GMP-oriented research formats. Researchers can compare purity, biological activity, endotoxin level, sequence and tag configuration to select the right TNF-alpha protein for their assay.

Also known as TNFα, TNFA, TNFSF2 and cachectin, human TNF-alpha interacts with TNFR1 and TNFR2 to regulate NF-kappaB, MAPK, apoptosis and other cellular responses. Beta LifeScience supplies multiple active formats for routine cell-based assays, sensitive immune-cell culture, binding analysis and process-development research. Ready to select a product? Compare Human TNF-alpha proteins or contact Beta LifeScience with your assay, cell type, endotoxin target and preferred tag.

What Is Recombinant Human TNF-Alpha Protein?

Quick answer: Recombinant Human TNF-alpha protein is a laboratory-produced form of the human TNF cytokine used to study inflammation, immune signaling, receptor activation, apoptosis, cytotoxicity and drug responses. Tumor necrosis factor alpha belongs to the TNF ligand superfamily. Its official gene symbol is TNF, and its UniProt accession is P01375.

Common names include:

• TNF-alpha
• TNFα
• TNF-a
• TNFA
• TNFSF2
• Cachectin
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 2

Human TNF-alpha is initially expressed as a membrane-associated protein. Processing produces a soluble form that can assemble as a homotrimer. The mature TNF-alpha monomer has an approximate molecular weight of 17 kDa, although the observed size can vary according to the expressed sequence and tag configuration.

Recombinant production allows researchers to select TNF-alpha protein with defined specifications. Expression system, sequence range, purity, tag, endotoxin level, formulation and biological activity can all influence product suitability.

Compare Recombinant Human TNF-Alpha Proteins

Beta LifeScience offers several human TNF-alpha recombinant protein options. Use this comparison to identify the most suitable starting point for your research.

Specifications should be confirmed on the current product page, datasheet and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis before experimental use.

Recommended TNF-Alpha Protein for General Research

The Recombinant Human TNF-alpha Protein, TNFA-1421NP, is a practical option for general TNF signaling, inflammation and cell-biology research.

Its current specifications include:

• Human TNF-alpha
• E. coli expression system
• Val77–Leu233 expression range
• Greater than 95% purity by reducing SDS-PAGE
• Approximate molecular mass of 17.5 kDa
• Endotoxin below 10 EU/mg
• Verified biological activity
• Lyophilized formulation
• Research-use-only classification

This recombinant protein can support routine NF-kappaB, MAPK, apoptosis, cytotoxicity and inflammatory signaling experiments. Researchers can submit an inquiry for current quantities, pricing, availability and technical documentation.

Recommended TNF-Alpha Protein for Binding and Immobilization

The Active Recombinant Human TNF-alpha Protein, BLK-01263P, is produced in HEK293 cells and includes C-terminal His and Avi tags.

Product features include:

• HEK293 expression system
• C-His-Avi tag configuration
• Val77–Leu233 expression range
• Greater than 95% purity by Tris-Bis PAGE
• Greater than 95% purity by HPLC
• Predicted molecular weight of 20.3 kDa
• Observed migration of approximately 21–25 kDa
• Endotoxin below 1 EU/μg
• Lyophilized formulation

Product activity includes TNFR2 interaction evaluated by ELISA and an affinity constant of 1.62 nM determined by surface plasmon resonance. Its defined tag configuration and reported receptor-interaction data support selected binding, capture and immobilization workflows. The listed catalog format includes a 100 μg SKU. Researchers should confirm current pack sizes, stock status and lead time before ordering.

Recommended TNF-Alpha Protein for Sensitive Cell Culture

The Recombinant Human TNF-alpha Protein, Animal-Free, Active, Low Endotoxin, BEP-0046UL combines animal component-free production with strong purity and activity specifications.

Its current product features include:

• Animal component-free E. coli production
• Val77–Leu233 sequence
• Greater than 98% purity
• Predicted monomeric molecular weight of 17.4 kDa
• Endotoxin below 0.001 EU/μg
• Typical ED50 below 40 pg/mL in an L929 assay
• Lyophilized formulation

This format is particularly suitable for sensitive immune-cell, endothelial-cell and controlled cell-culture experiments. Low endotoxin is valuable because endotoxin can independently stimulate inflammatory pathways. An ultra-low-endotoxin TNF-alpha protein helps researchers connect an observed cellular response more confidently with the intended TNF-alpha treatment.

Recommended Tag-Free GMP TNF-Alpha Protein

The Recombinant Human TNF-alpha/TNFSF2 Protein, Active, GMP, BLC-06054P is an E. coli-expressed, tag-free protein fragment.

Its specifications include:

• E. coli expression
• Tag-free configuration
• Greater than 98% purity by SDS-PAGE and HPLC
• Endotoxin below 0.01 EU/μg
• Approximate molecular weight of 17.5 kDa
• ED50 below 0.05 ng/mL in an L929 cytotoxicity assay
• Specific activity greater than 2.0 × 10⁷ IU/mg
• Lyophilized powder

This product supports GMP-oriented research and process-development workflows that require active, tag-free TNF-alpha with high purity and low endotoxin. It is supplied according to the research-use conditions stated in its current documentation. Researchers should verify its grade, documentation and permitted use before ordering. Need help comparing these products? View the Human TNF-alpha protein collection or contact Beta LifeScience for current sizes, pricing, availability, COA and datasheet support.

Which Human TNF-Alpha Protein Should You Choose?

The right product depends on the biological question, cell type and assay format.

Choose by Biological Activity

Functional experiments require biologically active protein. Review the reported ED50, specific activity or receptor-binding data and confirm that the validation method is relevant to your assay. L929 cytotoxicity assays are commonly used to evaluate TNF-alpha activity. Receptor-binding data obtained through ELISA or SPR can be useful when a study focuses on TNFR1, TNFR2 or protein-interaction performance.

Choose by Endotoxin Level

Endotoxin selection should reflect the sensitivity of the experimental system. Routine biochemical or general signaling studies may accommodate a standard endotoxin specification. Immune cells, macrophages, endothelial cells and other inflammation-responsive systems can benefit from a lower-endotoxin format. Selecting the appropriate endotoxin level supports clearer interpretation of TNF-alpha-mediated activity.

Choose by Expression System

E. coli-expressed TNF-alpha is suitable for many routine signaling and cell-based assays. It is available in standard, animal component-free and GMP-manufactured research formats. HEK293-expressed TNF-alpha may be preferred when a mammalian expression system, defined tag configuration or specific binding characteristics support the experimental design.

Choose by Tag Configuration

His and Avi tags can support purification, immobilization, capture and detection. Tag-free protein can be selected when researchers want to minimize the possibility of a fusion tag influencing protein interaction or functional behavior. Confirm whether a tag is positioned at the N-terminus or C-terminus and whether its configuration matches the downstream assay.

Available Sizes, Bulk Orders and Custom Quantities

Available quantities can differ across TNF-alpha products and production lots. Some proteins are offered in defined catalog sizes, while additional microgram, milligram or larger quantities may be available through an inquiry.

Researchers can request:

• Current pack sizes
• Product pricing
• Bulk quantities
• Multiple vials from one lot
• Lot reservation
• Estimated lead time
• Ready-to-ship confirmation
• Custom concentration
• Liquid or lyophilized presentation
• Additional endotoxin removal
• Custom sequence range
• Preferred protein tag

Bulk ordering can support lot consistency across extended experiments. Providing the required quantity, experimental timeline and intended application allows the technical team to recommend an appropriate catalog product or custom-production option. Ready-to-ship status can change with inventory. Contact Beta LifeScience to confirm current availability when project timing is important.

COA, Datasheet and Technical Documentation

Product documentation supports assay planning, reproducibility and traceability. Researchers should review the current product page, datasheet and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis before using a recombinant TNF-alpha protein.

Important documentation can include:

• Product identity
• Catalog number
• Species
• Expression system
• Sequence or expression range
• Tag configuration
• Purity result
• Molecular weight
• Endotoxin specification
• Biological activity
• Formulation
• Reconstitution instructions
• Storage conditions
• Lot number
• Quality-control method

A Certificate of Analysis is especially valuable when documenting purity, activity and endotoxin information for a particular lot. Researchers can contact Beta LifeScience to request available technical documents before ordering.

Need GST-Tagged or Custom TNF-Alpha Protein?

A GST-tagged TNF-alpha protein can support affinity purification, GST capture, pull-down experiments and selected protein-interaction workflows. The expression system, tag position and sequence should be selected according to the intended assay.

Beta LifeScience provides custom protein expression services for researchers who need a GST tag, specialized sequence, preferred expression system, customized endotoxin target or alternative formulation. Submit the target name, sequence range, required quantity, preferred tag position and intended application for project evaluation.

How Does TNF-Alpha Signal Through TNFR1 and TNFR2?

TNF-alpha produces its biological effects mainly through TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNFR1, also known as TNFRSF1A or CD120a, is broadly expressed across many cell types. Its signaling can regulate inflammatory gene expression, cell survival, cellular stress and apoptosis.

TNFR2, also known as TNFRSF1B or CD120b, has a more selective expression pattern. It is frequently studied in immune cells, endothelial cells and receptor-specific biological systems.

The response to Recombinant Human TNF-alpha protein can depend on:

• Receptor expression
• Cell type
• Protein concentration
• Exposure duration
• Protein activity
• Experimental medium
• Additional stimulants or inhibitors

Researchers should optimize TNF-alpha concentration and treatment time for their specific cellular model.

TNF-Alpha in NF-KappaB and MAPK Research

TNF-alpha is widely used as a stimulus in NF-kappaB signaling studies. Following receptor activation, intracellular signaling can regulate IκB and allow NF-kappaB proteins to influence inflammatory, immune and cell-survival genes.

Common NF-kappaB readouts include:

• Reporter assays
• Western blotting
• Phosphorylation analysis
• Nuclear translocation
• Gene-expression analysis
• Cytokine measurement

TNF-alpha can also activate MAPK pathways, including ERK, JNK and p38. These pathways participate in cellular stress, inflammatory signaling, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. A biologically active TNF-alpha protein can support dose-response, time-course and inhibitor-screening experiments involving these pathways.

TNF-Alpha in Apoptosis and Cytotoxicity Research

TNFR1 contains an intracellular death domain that can participate in apoptosis-associated signaling. The final cellular response depends on the balance between survival and cell-death pathways.

Researchers use human TNF-alpha recombinant protein to study:

• Caspase activation
• Cell viability
• Cytotoxicity
• Apoptosis resistance
• TNFR1 signaling
• Survival pathway activation
• Drug combinations

L929 cells are commonly used for TNF-alpha activity testing. Several Beta LifeScience products provide L929-derived activity specifications, allowing researchers to consider functional potency during product selection.

Major Research Applications

Inflammation and Immunology

Recombinant TNF-alpha can create controlled inflammatory conditions in cell culture. It supports studies involving macrophages, T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, endothelial cells and cytokine networks.

Cancer Research

TNF-alpha can influence apoptosis, tumor-cell survival, inflammatory signaling and the tumor microenvironment. It is used in cytotoxicity, pathway-analysis and compound-screening workflows.

Receptor-Binding Research

Active tagged TNF-alpha can support ELISA, immobilization and surface plasmon resonance experiments involving TNFR1 or TNFR2.

Drug-Discovery Research

TNF-alpha-driven cellular responses allow researchers to evaluate pathway inhibitors, receptor-blocking molecules and other signaling modulators in controlled experimental systems.

Endothelial Research

TNF-alpha supports research into endothelial activation, inflammatory communication and adhesion-molecule expression. Low-endotoxin protein is especially useful for sensitive cellular models.

Handling and Storage

Always follow the instructions for the selected catalog number because formulation, reconstitution and storage conditions can vary.

General handling practices include:

1. Briefly centrifuge the vial before opening.
2. Use the recommended sterile reconstitution solution.
3. Reconstitute at the advised concentration.
4. Mix gently.
5. Prepare single-use aliquots.
6. Store aliquots at the specified temperature.
7. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
8. Use sterile, low-protein-binding materials when appropriate.

A small amount of lyophilized protein may appear as a thin or transparent layer inside the vial. The product documentation and lot-specific COA confirm the supplied quantity.

Why Purchase TNF-Alpha Protein from Beta LifeScience?

Beta LifeScience provides recombinant proteins for life-science research and drug-discovery workflows. Researchers can compare multiple TNF-alpha formats and select specifications that align with their experimental requirements.

Available advantages include:

• Multiple Recombinant Human TNF-alpha products
• E. coli and HEK293 expression options
• Active and tag-free formats
• His- and Avi-tagged options
• Animal component-free production
• Ultra-low-endotoxin protein
• GMP-manufactured research formats
• Custom tag and sequence development
• Bulk quantity inquiries
• COA and datasheet support
• Technical product-selection assistance
• International shipping

Order Recombinant Human TNF-Alpha Protein

Select a Recombinant Human TNF-alpha protein according to your cell type, assay format, receptor target, endotoxin threshold and tag requirements. Review the current product specifications and request lot-specific documentation before beginning your experiment.

Need help selecting a TNF-alpha protein? Contact Beta LifeScience with your assay, cell type, preferred expression system, endotoxin target and tag requirements. The technical team can help identify a suitable catalog product or custom-production option.

Compare Human TNF-alpha proteins, review individual product specifications or explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Recombinant Human TNF-alpha protein?

Recombinant Human TNF-alpha protein is a laboratory-produced form of the human TNF cytokine. Researchers use it to study inflammation, NF-kappaB signaling, MAPK activation, receptor activity, apoptosis and cytotoxicity.

Are TNF-alpha, TNFA and TNFSF2 the same target?

Yes. TNF-alpha, TNFα, TNFA and TNFSF2 are commonly used names associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha. The official human gene symbol is TNF, and its UniProt accession is P01375.

Which TNF-alpha protein is recommended for cell culture?

A biologically active product with an endotoxin specification suited to the selected cell type is generally recommended. Sensitive immune-cell and endothelial-cell experiments may benefit from the animal-free, ultra-low-endotoxin BEP-0046UL format.

Which TNF-alpha product supports receptor-binding assays?

BLK-01263P provides a C-His-Avi configuration and reported TNFR2 interaction data. These features can support selected binding, capture and immobilization workflows.

Does TNF-alpha activate NF-kappaB?

Yes. TNF-alpha can activate NF-kappaB signaling through its receptors, particularly TNFR1. This pathway regulates inflammatory, stress-response and cell-survival genes.

Does TNF-alpha activate MAPK?

TNF-alpha can activate MAPK pathways that include ERK, JNK and p38. The response depends on the cell model, receptor expression, protein concentration and treatment time.

Can Recombinant Human TNF-alpha induce apoptosis?

TNF-alpha can support apoptosis under appropriate experimental conditions, particularly through TNFR1-associated signaling. It can also activate inflammatory and survival pathways, making experimental optimization important.

What is the molecular weight of TNF-alpha protein?

The mature human TNF-alpha monomer is approximately 17 kDa. Observed molecular weight may vary according to sequence range, expression system and tag configuration.

Should I choose E. coli- or HEK293-expressed TNF-alpha?

E. coli-expressed TNF-alpha is suitable for many routine signaling and cell-based assays. HEK293-expressed TNF-alpha may be preferred when a mammalian expression system, defined tag configuration or specific binding characteristics support the experimental design.

Why is endotoxin important when selecting TNF-alpha?

Endotoxin can independently activate inflammatory cells and influence experimental results. A low-endotoxin TNF-alpha protein supports clearer interpretation in sensitive cell-based studies.

Can I order GST-tagged Human TNF-alpha?

Researchers can use custom protein expression services to inquire about a GST-tagged TNF-alpha format. Provide the desired sequence, expression system, tag position, quantity and intended application.

Are bulk quantities available?

Bulk quantities and custom pack sizes may be available depending on the selected product and current inventory. Submit the required quantity, delivery timeline and lot-consistency requirements for a quotation.

How can I confirm ready-to-ship availability?

Contact Beta LifeScience to confirm current inventory and lead time. Ready-to-ship availability can vary according to product, pack size and production lot.

Could you please provide a COA or datasheet?

Researchers can request available product datasheets, Certificates of Analysis and supporting technical documentation. A lot-specific COA should be reviewed before experimental use.

Is Recombinant Human TNF-alpha intended for clinical use?

The products discussed in this guide are supplied according to the research-use conditions stated in their current documentation. Researchers should verify the stated grade and permitted use on the individual product page.