Abstract

Toll-like receptors are a family of pattern recognition receptors that allow the immune system to sense molecules that are present in most classes of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, but not the host, and to coordinate defense mechanisms against these pathogens. Emerging evidence also suggests that TLRs have an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis by regulating the inflammatory and tissue repair responses to injury. Due to the important role in inflammation, tissue regeneration and fibrogenesis, TLRs are potential candidates to mediate effects of the innate immune system on carcinogenesis. Although the role of TLRs in carcinogenesis is far from being completely understood, current data suggest a dual role of TLRs in carcinogenesis: anti-tumor effects versus tumor-promoting effects. Here we discuss how TLRs function in the context of carcinogenesis.

• Keywords: Toll-like receptor;Carcinogenesis