Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

6.3K

Toll-like receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma: potential novel targets for pharmacological intervention

Hai Zou1, Wu-Ke Wang2, Yan-Long Liu3

  • 1a Department of Infection Diseases , Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital , Hangzhou , China.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|March 22, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial for immune responses and may offer new therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further research is needed to clarify their paradoxical roles in HCC progression and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors integral to innate immunity and inflammatory responses.
  • TLRs are expressed on various cells, including immune cells, and play a role in host defense against pathogens.
  • Dysregulation of TLRs is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • To explore the signaling pathways of TLRs in mediating inflammation and immune responses within the HCC microenvironment.
  • To evaluate the potential of TLRs as therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review on Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Analysis of TLR signaling pathways, including pattern recognition receptor mechanisms and downstream molecular activation.
  • Discussion of TLR agonists and antagonists in the context of HCC cell survival, proliferation, and protection.

Main Results:

  • TLRs play a significant role in the immune response and inflammatory processes within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Activation of TLRs can influence HCC cell survival and proliferation, with potential anti-tumor effects.
  • The precise function of different TLRs in HCC remains complex and context-dependent.

Conclusions:

  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent promising therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to their involvement in immune modulation.
  • Existing research presents paradoxical and controversial findings regarding TLR signaling in HCC.
  • Further investigation is essential to elucidate the specific TLR signaling pathways and their therapeutic implications in HCC.
Keywords:
Toll-like receptorshepatocellular carcinomamechanismtargetstumorigenesis

More Related Videos

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis06:38

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis

Published on: September 12, 2019

9.7K
Author Spotlight: Investigating Liver Cancer Pathogenesis Using Patient-Derived Organoids07:25

Author Spotlight: Investigating Liver Cancer Pathogenesis Using Patient-Derived Organoids

Published on: August 18, 2023

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
4.8K
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
10.1K
Liver Regeneration01:24

Liver Regeneration

The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
4.7K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
5.0K
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
76