TLR4: An Important Molecule Participating in Either Anti-Human Papillomavirus Immune Responses or Development of Its Related Cancers

Viral Immunol. 2019 Dec;32(10):417-423. doi: 10.1089/vim.2019.0061. Epub 2019 Nov 13.

Abstract

It has been reported that human papillomavirus (HPV) is a main cause of cervical cancer. Immune system plays key roles in the HPV infection clearance. Additionally, the roles played by immune responses in development of cancers have been documented previously. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the main surface or intravesicular receptors driving innate immunity, which either participate in the fight against infectious agents or participate in the progression of cancers. Thus, it has been hypothesized that the molecules may be part of the HPV/cancers puzzle. TLR4 is a unique member of TLRs family that uses both well-known TLRs related intracellular signaling pathways. Furthermore, the roles played by TLR4 against several viruses and also their related complications, such as tumors, have been demonstrated. Thus, it has been hypothesized that TLR4 may play a key role in HPV infection and its related complications. This review article collected the information regarding the mentioned plausible roles by TLR4.

Keywords: TLR4; cancer; human papillomavirus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / immunology
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / virology
  • Papillomaviridae / immunology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / pathology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism*

Substances

  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4