TLR2 limits development of hepatocellular carcinoma by reducing IL18-mediated immunosuppression

Immune mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not well understood. Here, we show that the Toll-like receptor TLR2 inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL18 and protects mice from DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis. On this protocol, Tlr2(-/-) mice exhibited more aggressive HCC development associated with impaired CD8(+) T-cell function. Furthermore, Ly6C(high)IL18Rα(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were increased in number in the livers of Tlr2(-/-) mice before tumor onset. MDSC in this setting exhibited higher iNOS levels that could inhibit IFNγ production and CD8(+) T-cell proliferation in vitro. Notably, Tlr2(-/-) hepatocytes produced more mature IL18 after DEN treatment that was sufficient to drive MDSC accumulation there. IL18 administration was sufficient to induce accumulation of MDSC, whereas hepatocyte-specific silencing of IL18 in Tlr2(-/-) mice decreased the proportion of MDSC, increased the proportion of functional CD8(+) T cells, and alleviated HCC progression. IL18 production was mediated by caspase-8 insofar as the decrease in its silencing was sufficient to attenuate levels of mature IL18 in Tlr2(-/-) mice. Furthermore, the TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 inhibited both caspase-8 and IL18 expression, decreasing MDSC, increasing CD8(+) T-cell function, and promoting HCC regression. Overall, our findings show how TLR2 deficiency accelerates IL18-mediated immunosuppression during liver carcinogenesis, providing new insights into immune control that may assist the design of effective immunotherapies to treat HCC.