The present invention relates to ligands which bind to human tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in a manner such that upon binding of these
ligands to TNF the biological activity of TNF is modified. In preferred
forms the ligand binds to TNF in a manner such that the induction of
endothelial procoagulant activity of the TNF is inhibited; the binding of
TNF to receptors on endothelial cells is inhibited; the induction of
fibrin deposition in the tumor and tumor regression activities of the TNF
are enhanced; and the cytotoxicity and receptor binding activities of the
TNF are unaffected or enhanced on tumor cells. The ligand is preferably
an antibody, F(ab) fragment, single domain antibody (dABs), single chain
antibody or a serum binding protein. It is preferred, however, that the
ligand is a monoclonal antibody or F(ab) fragment thereof.