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Screening Bioactive Nanoparticles in Phagocytic Immune Cells for Inhibitors of Toll-like Receptor Signaling
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Association of TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms with risk of cancer: a meta-analysis

Longbiao Zhu1, Hua Yuan1, Tao Jiang2

  • 1Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China ; Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Cancer Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Plos One
|December 31, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toll-like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms in TLR2 and TLR4 are linked to increased cancer risk. This meta-analysis confirms associations between specific TLR2 and TLR4 gene variants and susceptibility to various cancers, particularly in certain ethnic groups.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a role in tumor immune evasion.
  • Previous studies on TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms (TLR2 -196 to -174 del, TLR4 rs4986790, rs4986791) and cancer susceptibility have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the association between TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms and cancer risk.
  • To clarify the conflicting findings regarding the role of these TLR gene variants in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis was performed on data from 34 publications.
  • The study included 14,627 cancer cases and 17,438 controls.
  • Associations were evaluated for TLR2 -196 to -174 del, TLR4 rs4986790, and TLR4 rs4986791 with overall and cancer-specific risks.

Main Results:

  • All three studied polymorphisms (TLR2 -196 to -174 del, TLR4 rs4986790, rs4986791) were significantly associated with increased cancer risk.
  • Stratified analysis revealed ethnic differences in associations, with TLR2 -196 to -174 del significant in Caucasians and South Asians, and TLR4 rs4986791 in South Asians and East Asians.
  • TLR4 rs4986790 showed significant associations with digestive and female-specific cancers.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the link between TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms and cancer risk.
  • Further large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to validate these findings and confirm the associations.

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