TNF and Sepsis: The proinflammatory response was initially believed to be the cause of mortality in sepsis, and most clinical trials targeted blockade of this response by TNF and IL-1β antagonists, toll-like receptor (TLR) blockers, platelet-activating factor inhibitors, anticoagulants, and endotoxin antagonists, as well as hemofiltration to remove soluble endotoxins and cytokines, and inhibition of super-antigens.