TLR-signaling and proinflammatory cytokines as drivers of tumorigenesis

Cytokine. 2017 Jan:89:127-135. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.01.021. Epub 2016 Feb 4.

Abstract

The link between inflammation and cancer was first proposed by R. Virchow. It was later realized that it is chronic inflammation that may promote cancer, whereas acute inflammation can actually block tumor development or even result in cure. Many molecular mediators of these diverse processes have been characterized only during the past 3 decades thanks to the advances in molecular and cellular techniques, as well as due to technologies of reverse genetics. In this chapter we discuss the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling in cancer and contributions of proinflammatory cytokine signaling (whose expression may be driven by TLR-mediated signals) to tumor-promoting microenvironment. We also discuss recent clinical advances to target these pro-tumorigenic pathways at distinct stages of tumorigenesis.

Keywords: Cancer; Chronic inflammation; Innate immunity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / immunology*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4