Objective To summarize and evaluate the significance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) tolerance, and to understand the general characteristics and known molecular mechanisms of different forms of tolerance, including the roles of transcription factors, signaling systems and receptors. Method The relevant literatures at home and abroad in recent years were collected and readed, and the content related to TNF tolerance was summarized. ResultsTNF tolerance could be produced after TNF pretreatment, and be divided into absolute tolerance and induced tolerance. TNF tolerance was related to a variety of interrelated and interdependent intracellular signal transduction. There was cross tolerance between TNF and lipopolysaccharide. Conclusions TNF tolerance may represent a protective mechanism, participating in the termination of inflammation and preventing excessive or persistent inflammation. TNF tolerance may also trigger immune paralysis, leading to severe inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis. The understanding of TNF tolerance can promote the diagnosis of inflammation related diseases or the implementation of treatment methods, so as to achieve more accurate evaluation and treatment.