An isolated or synthetic antibody or ligand is provided that specifically binds to an epitope of a dissociated monomer of human Tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Such binding disrupts assembly of the monomer into bioactive trimeric human soluble TNF (sTNF). A pharmaceutical composition contains one or more the isolated antibodies or ligands is further provided. Methods of using a combination of antibodies for treating a subject having a disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, HIV, Type II diabetes) mediated by human TNF are further disclosed.
