Contribution of toll-like receptor signaling pathways to breast tumorigenesis and treatment

• Published in: Breast cancer targets and therapy Vol. 5; no. default; pp. 43 - 51
• Main Authors: Kidd, La Creis R, Rogers, Erica N, Yeyeodu, Susan T, Jones, Dominique Z, Kimbro, K Sean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 01.01.2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Dove Press; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Cancer; chemotherapy; Development and progression; Genetic aspects; Immune response; innate immunity; Oncology, Experimental; Properties; radiotherapy; Review; single nucleotide polymorphism; TLR; Toll-like receptors; Tumorigenesis; radiotherapy; TLR; innate immunity; single nucleotide polymorphism; chemotherapy
• ISSN: 1179-1314; 1179-1314
• DOI: 10.2147/BCTT.S29172

Mounting evidence indicates that anomalies in the inflammatory and immune response pathways are essential to tumorigenesis. However, tumor-based innate immunity initiated by transformed breast epithelia tissues has received much less attention. This review summarizes published reports on the role of the toll-like receptor signaling pathway on breast cancer risk, disease progression, survival, and disease recurrence. Specifically, we discuss the underlying biological mechanisms that contribute to the tumorigenic and/or anti-tumorigenic properties of toll-like receptors and their associated agonists in relation to breast tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Further, we use results from preclinical, clinical, and population-based studies as prompts for the exploration of new and more effective breast cancer therapies. As the knowledge base of innate immunity's involvement in breast cancer progression increases, current and new immune-modifying strategies will be refined to effectively treat breast cancer.