"In silico analysis of human TLR3 missense single nucleotide polymorphisms and their potential association with...

Cervical cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide and represents a significant health burden for women. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial components of the innate immune system and play a vital role in recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Among the TLRs, TLR3 has been implicated in the defense against viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary etiological agent of cervical cancer. Missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR3 gene can alter its protein structure and potentially influence its function, leading to variations in immune responses and disease susceptibility. This study aimed to investigate the impact of TLR3 missense SNPs on cervical cancer development through in silico methods. A comprehensive analysis was performed using various computational tools and databases to predict the functional consequences of identified TLR3 missense SNPs. The selection criteria for SNPs included their reported association with cervical cancer or their potential effects on TLR3 structure and function. Three extremely detrimental TLR-3 nsSNPs, namely N284I (rs5743316), C37R(rs752889035), and L360P(rs768091235), have been found among the 150 nsSNPs that have so far been reported in the dbSNP database. The in silico analysis suggests that these genetic variations may contribute to the development and progression of cervical cancer by modulating TLR3 function. Further experimental studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, which may aid in developing novel therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer prevention and treatment.