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Published on: May 31, 2018
Toll-like receptor interference in myeloid dendritic cells through head and neck cancer
Henning Frenzel1, Bettina Hoffmann, Carsten Brocks
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Schleswig-Holstein Campus Liibeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
Background:
In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) the secretion of various immunosuppressive mediators contributes to large-scale effects on the immune functions. The influence of HNSCC on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression profiles of human myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs), which have been identified in human solid tumor tissue of the head and neck, was analysed.
Materials And Methods:
MDCs were isolated from peripheral blood by 'magnetic bead separation' and subsequently incubated with supernatants of HNSCC permanent cell lines. TLR expression profiles were investigated using Af cytometry and SDS-PAGE.
Results:
Human MDC from peripheral blood were found to express all human TLRs except TLR4 and TLR9. Incubation of MDC with supernatants of HNSCC resulted in an increased expression of TLR7.
Conclusion:
The data suggest an interference of TLR7 expression through HNSCC and provide novel evidence of TLR alterations as a potential tumor promoting event in head and neck cancer.
Insights
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) alters Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression in myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs). This suggests a tumor-promoting role for altered TLR expression in head and neck cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) secretes immunosuppressive mediators, impacting immune functions.
- Myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) are present in head and neck tumor tissues and play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Understanding HNSCC's influence on MDC Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression is vital for cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of HNSCC on the TLR expression profiles of human MDCs.
- To investigate potential tumor-promoting mechanisms involving TLR alterations in head and neck cancer.
Main Methods:
- MDCs were isolated from peripheral blood using magnetic bead separation.
- MDCs were incubated with supernatants from HNSCC cell lines.
- TLR expression was analyzed via flow cytometry and SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Human MDCs expressed all TLRs except TLR4 and TLR9.
- Incubation with HNSCC supernatants led to increased TLR7 expression on MDCs.
Conclusions:
- HNSCC interferes with TLR7 expression in MDCs.
- Altered TLR expression represents a potential tumor-promoting event in head and neck cancer.

