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Rytkönen A, Eray M, Suominen A, Mäkitie A, Haglund C, Hagström J, Laine HK. Immunoexpression pattern of TLR3 and TLR7 in minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma and its role in prognosis. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 40:100822. [PMID: 38810370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands has poor long-term prognosis and a high metastatic rate. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), first-line immune activators, have been associated with both tumor progression and suppression. We aimed to study TLR3 and TLR7 behavior in ACC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied TLR3 and TLR7 immunoexpression of 46 minor salivary gland ACCs diagnosed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland over the period 1974-2012. The associations of TLR3 and TLR7 immunoexpression with clinicopathological factors were evaluated by χ2-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS In the majority of samples, both TLR3 and TLR7 were immunoexpressed in cytoplasm. The immunoexpression was heterogeneous between individual tumors. Stronger TLR7 immunoexpression associated with recurrence rate and poorer disease-specific survival (DSS). TLR3 did not associate significantly with survival although we found an inverse correlation between TLR3 and TLR7 immunopositivity. Hence, when TLR3 immunoexpression was negative or mild, TLR7 immunoexpression was moderate to strong, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS TLR3 and TLR7 are immunoexpressed in minor salivary gland ACC. TLR7 is potentially an independent prognostic marker for recurrence rate and DSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi Rytkönen
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mine Eray
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Auli Suominen
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna K Laine
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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2
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Hiltunen N, Kemi N, Väyrynen JP, Böhm J, Kauppila JH, Huhta H, Helminen O. Toll-like receptors 1-9 in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors-Clinical significance and prognosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302813. [PMID: 38709790 PMCID: PMC11073674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors of the innate immunity. TLRs are known to mediate both antitumor effects and tumorigenesis. TLRs are abundant in many cancers, but their expression in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NETs) is unknown. We aimed to characterize the expression of TLRs 1-9 in SB-NETs and lymph node metastases and evaluate their prognostic relevance. The present study included 125 patients with SB-NETs, of whom 95 had lymph node metastases, from two Finnish hospitals. Tissue samples were stained immunohistochemically for TLR expression, assessed based on cytoplasmic and nucleic staining intensity and percentage of positively stained cells. Statistical methods for survival analysis included Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression adjusted for confounding factors. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome. TLRs 1-2 and 4-9 were expressed in SB-NETs and lymph node metastases. TLR3 showed no positive staining. In primary SB-NETs, TLRs 1-9 were not associated with survival. For lymph node metastases, high cytoplasmic TLR7 intensity associated with worse DSS compared to low cytoplasmic intensity (26.4% vs. 84.9%, p = 0.028). Adjusted mortality hazard (HR) was 3.90 (95% CI 1.07-14.3). The expression of TLRs 1-6 and 8-9 in lymph node metastases were not associated with survival. SB-NETs and their lymph node metastases express cytoplasmic TLR 1-2 and 4-9 and nucleic TLR5. High TLR7 expression in SB-NET lymph node metastases was associated with worse prognosis. The current research has future perspective, as it can help create base for clinical drug trials to target specific TLRs with agonists or antagonists to treat neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hiltunen
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Niko Kemi
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha P. Väyrynen
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jan Böhm
- Department of Pathology, Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Joonas H. Kauppila
- Surgery Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heikki Huhta
- Surgery Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Olli Helminen
- Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Surgery Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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3
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Sun H, Li Y, Zhang P, Xing H, Zhao S, Song Y, Wan D, Yu J. Targeting toll-like receptor 7/8 for immunotherapy: recent advances and prospectives. Biomark Res 2022; 10:89. [PMID: 36476317 PMCID: PMC9727882 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a large family of proteins that are expressed in immune cells and various tumor cells. TLR7/8 are located in the intracellular endosomes, participate in tumor immune surveillance and play different roles in tumor growth. Activation of TLRs 7 and 8 triggers induction of a Th1 type innate immune response in the highly sophisticated process of innate immunity signaling with the recent research advances involving the small molecule activation of TLR 7 and 8. The wide range of expression and clinical significance of TLR7/TLR8 in different kinds of cancers have been extensively explored. TLR7/TLR8 can be used as novel diagnostic biomarkers, progression and prognostic indicators, and immunotherapeutic targets for various tumors. Although the mechanism of action of TLR7/8 in cancer immunotherapy is still incomplete, TLRs on T cells are involved in the regulation of T cell function and serve as co-stimulatory molecules and activate T cell immunity. TLR agonists can activate T cell-mediated antitumor responses with both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve tumor therapy. Recently, novel drugs of TLR7 or TLR8 agonists with different scaffolds have been developed. These agonists lead to the induction of certain cytokines and chemokines that can be applied to the treatment of some diseases and can be used as good adjutants for vaccines. Furthermore, TLR7/8 agonists as potential therapeutics for tumor-targeted immunotherapy have been developed. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the development of immunotherapy strategies targeting TLR7/8 in patients with various cancers and chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yingmei Li
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Peng Zhang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Haizhou Xing
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Song Zhao
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yongping Song
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Dingming Wan
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Jifeng Yu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004 Henan China
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4
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Yinhang W, Wei W, Jing Z, Qing Z, Yani Z, Yangyanqiu W, Shuwen H. Biological roles of toll-like receptors and gut microbiota in colorectal cancer. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:1071-1089. [PMID: 35916158 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most considerably common malignancies of the alimentary system, with high mortality and incidence rates. The present study suggested that the occurrence of CRC is closely related to bacteria, as the large intestine is a gathering place for human micro-organisms. However, the nosogenesis of bacteria leading to tumorigenesis is still obscure. Recently, many studies have reported that toll-like receptors and their related molecular pathways are involved in the process of gut micro-organisms generating CRC. Gut micro-organisms can promote or inhibit the development of CRC via binding to special toll-like receptors. In this paper, the authors review the relationship among toll-like receptors, gut micro-organisms and CRC in order to provide a reference for future tumor immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yinhang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, China.,Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research & Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou,1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Wu Wei
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research & Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou,1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Zhuang Jing
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research & Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou,1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Zhou Qing
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research & Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou,1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Zhou Yani
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Graduate School of Medicine Faculty, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Wang Yangyanqiu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Graduate School of Medicine Faculty, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310058, China
| | - Han Shuwen
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, 1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.,Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research & Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou,1558 Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
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5
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Andón FT, Leon S, Ummarino A, Redin E, Allavena P, Serrano D, Anfray C, Calvo A. Innate and Adaptive Responses of Intratumoral Immunotherapy with Endosomal Toll-Like Receptor Agonists. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071590. [PMID: 35884895 PMCID: PMC9313389 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are natural initial triggers of innate and adaptive immune responses. With the advent of cancer immunotherapy, nucleic acids engineered as ligands of endosomal TLRs have been investigated for the treatment of solid tumors. Despite promising results, their systemic administration, similarly to other immunotherapies, raises safety issues. To overcome these problems, recent studies have applied the direct injection of endosomal TLR agonists in the tumor and/or draining lymph nodes, achieving high local drug exposure and strong antitumor response. Importantly, intratumoral delivery of TLR agonists showed powerful effects not only against the injected tumors but also often against uninjected lesions (abscopal effects), resulting in some cases in cure and antitumoral immunological memory. Herein, we describe the structure and function of TLRs and their role in the tumor microenvironment. Then, we provide our vision on the potential of intratumor versus systemic delivery or vaccination approaches using TLR agonists, also considering the use of nanoparticles to improve their targeting properties. Finally, we collect the preclinical and clinical studies applying intratumoral injection of TLR agonists as monotherapies or in combination with: (a) other TLR or STING agonists; (b) other immunotherapies; (c) radiotherapy or chemotherapy; (d) targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Torres Andón
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy;
| | - Sergio Leon
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Pathology and Histology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.L.); (E.R.); (D.S.)
| | - Aldo Ummarino
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Humanitas University, 20089 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (A.U.); (C.A.)
| | - Esther Redin
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Pathology and Histology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.L.); (E.R.); (D.S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paola Allavena
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy;
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Humanitas University, 20089 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (A.U.); (C.A.)
| | - Diego Serrano
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Pathology and Histology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.L.); (E.R.); (D.S.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Clément Anfray
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Humanitas University, 20089 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (A.U.); (C.A.)
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Pathology and Histology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.L.); (E.R.); (D.S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-194700
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6
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Mohamed FEZ, Jalan R, Minogue S, Andreola F, Habtesion A, Hall A, Winstanley A, Damink SO, Malagó M, Davies N, Luong TV, Dhillon A, Mookerjee R, Dhar D, Al-Jehani RM. Inhibition of TLR7 and TLR9 Reduces Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Tumor Development. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1806-1821. [PMID: 33939146 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-06973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key players in innate immunity and modulation of TLR signaling has been demonstrated to profoundly affect proliferation and growth in different types of cancer. However, the role of TLRs in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) pathogenesis remains largely unexplored. AIMS We set out to determine if TLRs play any role in ICCs which could potentially make them useful treatment targets. METHODS Tissue microarrays containing samples from 9 human ICCs and normal livers were examined immunohistochemically for TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 expression. Proliferation of human ICC cell line HuCCT1 was measured by MTS assay following treatment with CpG-ODN (TLR9 agonist), imiquimod (TLR7 agonist), chloroquine (TLR7 and TLR9 inhibitor) and IRS-954 (TLR7 and TLR9 antagonist). The in vivo effects of CQ and IRS-954 on tumor development were also examined in a NOD-SCID mouse xenograft model of human ICC. RESULTS TLR4 was expressed in all normal human bile duct epithelium but absent in the majority (60%) of ICCs. TLR7 and TLR9 were expressed in 80% of human ICCs. However, TLR7 was absent in all cases of normal human bile duct epithelium and only one was TLR9 positive. HuCCT1 cell proliferation in vitro significantly increased following IMQ or CpG-ODN treatment (P < 0.03 and P < 0.002, respectively) but decreased with CQ (P < 0.02). In the mouse xenograft model there was significant reduction in size of tumors from CQ and IRS-954 treated mice compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSION TLR7 and TLR9 should be further explored for their potential as actionable targets in the treatment of ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma El Zahraa Mohamed
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Pathology Department, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Shane Minogue
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fausto Andreola
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Abeba Habtesion
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hall
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alison Winstanley
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Steven Olde Damink
- Academic Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Malagó
- Academic Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nathan Davies
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amar Dhillon
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rajeshwar Mookerjee
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dipok Dhar
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rajai Munir Al-Jehani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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7
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Qi Y, Fang Q, Li Q, Ding H, Shu Q, Hu Y, Xin W, Fang L. MD2 blockage prevents the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1873-1883. [PMID: 34532135 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The toll-like receptor (TLR) is an emerging signaling pathway in tumor invasion and metastasis. The activation of TLRs requires specific accessory proteins, such as the small secreted glycoprotein myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), which contributes to ligand responsiveness. However, the role of MD2 in tumorigenesis and metastasis has rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of MD2 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), cell colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the expression of MD2 in HCC cell lines and human normal liver cell lines as well as the silencing efficiency of MD2 blockage. Western blot and qRT-PCR assays were performed to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) markers and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling molecules. Results MD2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High expression of MD2 was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. In addition, MD2 silencing slightly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and HCCLM3, and significantly suppressed cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, MD2 blockage could distinctly prevent the EMT process by increasing the protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin and Occludin, and decreasing the levels of Vimentin, N-cadherin, and Snail. Finally, the phosphorylation level of EGFR as well as its downstream molecular Src, Akt, I-κBα, and p65 were downregulated in HCC cells with MD2 silencing. Conclusions Our findings suggest that high expression of MD2 may affect the EMT, migration, and invasion via modulation of the EGFR pathway in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qilu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Comprehensive Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Head and Neck Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Shu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Comprehensive Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Head and Neck Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Sheikh A, Taube J, Greathouse KL. Contribution of the Microbiota and their Secretory Products to Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis: The Role of Toll-like Receptors. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:1133-1142. [PMID: 34218275 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in diversity and function of the gut microbiome are associated with concomitant changes in immune response, including chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). An important component of the inflammatory response system are the toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs are capable of sensing microbial components, including nucleic acids, lipopolysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, as well as bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMV). OMVs can be decorated with or carry as cargo these TLR activating factors. These microbial factors can either promote tolerance or activate signaling pathways leading to chronic inflammation. Herein we discuss the role of the microbiome and the OMVs that originate from intestinal bacteria in promoting chronic inflammation and the development of colitis-associated CRC. We also discuss the contribution of TLRs in mediating the microbiome-inflammation axis and subsequent cancer development. Understanding the role of the microbiome and its secretory factors in TLR response may lead to the development of better cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aadil Sheikh
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University
| | - Joseph Taube
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University
| | - K Leigh Greathouse
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University.,Human Science and Design, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University
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9
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Beilmann-Lehtonen I, Hagström J, Mustonen H, Koskensalo S, Haglund C, Böckelman C. High Tissue TLR5 Expression Predicts Better Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Oncology 2021; 99:589-600. [PMID: 34139707 DOI: 10.1159/000516543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer globally, caused 881,000 cancer deaths in 2018. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the primary sensors of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns, activate innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in the development of an inflammatory tumor microenvironment. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 tissue expressions in CRC patients. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed tissue microarray samples from 825 CRC patients who underwent surgery between 1982 and 2002 at the Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. After analyzing a pilot series of 205 tissue samples, we included only TLR5 and TLR7 in the remainder of the patient series. We evaluated the associations between TLR5 and TLR7 tissue expressions, clinicopathologic variables, and survival. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, we generated survival curves, determining significance using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses relied on the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS The 5-year disease-specific survival was 55.9% among TLR5-negative (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.6-61.2%) and 61.9% (95% CI 56.6-67.2%; p = 0.011, log-rank test) among TLR5-positive patients. In the Cox multivariate survival analysis adjusted for age, sex, stage, location, and grade, positive TLR5 immunoexpression (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% CI 0.59-0.92; p = 0.007) served as an independent positive prognostic factor. TLR7 immunoexpression exhibited no prognostic value in the survival analysis across the entire cohort (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78-1.20; p = 0.754) nor in subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time that a high TLR5 tumor tissue expression associates with a better prognosis in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Beilmann-Lehtonen
- Department of Transplantation and Liver Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Mustonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Selja Koskensalo
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Camilla Böckelman
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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The role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in virus-related cancers: a mini review. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2020-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The modulation of the host innate immune system is a well-established carcinogenesis feature of several tumors, including human Epstein-Barr (EBV) and Papillomavirus-(HPV) related cancers. These viruses are able to interrupt the initial events of the immune response, including the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines, and inflammation. The aim of the study is to review current data and summarize knowledge on the TLRs and their role in the development of cancer, especially viral-related cancers (EBV and HPV). Research work shows a correlation between the TLRs polymorphism and the development of oropharyngeal and gastric cancer (GC), especially related to viral infections. Many studies suggest the important role for TLRs in inflammatory, autoimmune disease and human cancers. However, further efforts are necessary to draw a precise conclusion.
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11
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Angrini M, Varthaman A, Cremer I. Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME): A Dragon-Like Weapon in a Non-fantasy Game of Thrones. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:145-173. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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12
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Daskalopoulos AG, Avgoustidis D, Chaisuparat R, Karanikou M, Lazaris AC, Sklavounou A, Nikitakis NG. Assessment of TLR4 and TLR9 signaling and correlation with human papillomavirus status and histopathologic parameters in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2020; 129:493-513. [PMID: 32173390 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may promote or inhibit tumor progression. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of TLR4 and TLR9 and their downstream targets in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) in correlation with histopathologic parameters and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. STUDY DESIGN OTSCC (fully or superficially invasive and in situ) were studied. Immunohistochemical expression of TLR4, TLR9, nuclear factor-κΒ (NF-κΒ/p65), and interferon-β (IFN-β) was evaluated in tumor and inflammatory cells and in adjacent morphologically normal mucosa. HPV status was also determined. RESULTS TLR4 showed increased expression levels in tumor and infiltrating inflammatory cells compared with adjacent mucosa, especially in fully invasive cases; a negative correlation between TLR4 levels in inflammatory cells and tumor grade was observed. TLR9 was upregulated in tumor and infiltrating inflammatory cells compared with the adjacent mucosa; its expression in inflammatory cells was higher in well differentiated tumors. NF-κΒ and IFN-β were elevated in cancerous tissues, especially in fully invasive cases, and positively correlated with TLR4 and/or TLR9. HPV positivity (detected in 15.9% of the cases) demonstrated positive correlation with TLR9 and NF-κΒ levels. CONCLUSIONS TLR4 and TLR9 are upregulated in OTSCC and its microenvironment and, by affecting important downstream molecules, such as NF-κB and IFN-β, may play a role in oral cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios G Daskalopoulos
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Avgoustidis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Evaggelismos" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Risa Chaisuparat
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkom University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maria Karanikou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Sklavounou
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos G Nikitakis
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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