Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are single membrane-spanning proteins that are present on the membranes of immune cells involved in the innate response. Detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) initiates the adaptive immune response (antigen presentation). To date, 10 TLR genes have been determined in the human genome, and 13 in mice. TLRs are commonly adapted for use in neoplasia therapy, but different aspects of TLR function may suppress or promote tumor development. Connections between tumor development and inflammatory responses triggered by TLR activity have been elucidated, and TLR agonists are the subject of investigation for various cancer therapies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the relationship between TLR agonists and cancer and describe the underlying mechanisms that have been experimentally and clinically established about this relationship.

Keywords: TLRs; Toll-like receptors; Cancer therapy; Tumor development