J Bacteriol Virol.  2012 Sep;42(3):255-262. 10.4167/jbv.2012.42.3.255.

Toll-Like Receptor Ligands as Cancer Immunotherapeutics

• Lee SE
• Rhee JH

• KMID: 1434755
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2012.42.3.255

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed in a wide spectrum of cell types that recognize distinctive ligands and subsequently activate adaptive immune responses. TLR ligands are considered a promising target for development of immunomodulatory agents. Extensive clinical investigations are currently underway to develop TLR ligands-based non-specific immunostimulants and vaccine adjuvants. It has been well accepted that cancer cells develop a strategy to avoid host immune responses by producing inhibitory molecules. In addition, tumor-associated antigens are often not strong enough to induce effective anti-cancer immune responses. In this context, immunostimulants or adjuvants are critically required for more effective cancer immunotherapies. Here, we discuss recent progresses in the field of cancer immunotherapy under special emphasis on the TLR ligands as a component of immunostimulatory agents.

Keyword

Cancer immunotherapy; Toll-like receptor; Adjuvant

MeSH Terms

Adjuvants, Immunologic
Immunotherapy
Ligands
Receptors, Pattern Recognition
Toll-Like Receptors
Adjuvants, Immunologic
Ligands
Receptors, Pattern Recognition
Toll-Like Receptors

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