Toll-like receptor 2 is present in the microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on cells associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma, epithelial dysplasia and irritative hyperplasia, using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:

More immune cells expressed TLR2 in carcinoma and dysplasia than in hyperplasia (P<0.001). No hyperplastic samples showed positive TLR2 staining on keratinocytes, whereas keratinocytes in 64% of cases of carcinoma and 74% of cases of dysplasia were TLR2 positive.

CONCLUSION:

Positive TLR2 expression in the microenvironment suggests activation of immune surveillance against the altered epithelium, whereas TLR2 expression by malignant keratinocytes may be indicative of resistance to apoptosis as a pro-survival mechanism.

• Authors: L K Ng, A M Rich, H M Hussaini, W M Thomson, A L Fisher, L S Horne, G J Seymour
• Journal: British journal of cancer (Br J Cancer) Vol. 104 Issue 3 Pg. 460-3 (Feb 01 2011) ISSN: 1532-1827 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21179035 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Toll-Like Receptor 2

Topics

• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (metabolism, pathology)
• Epithelium (metabolism, pathology)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Keratinocytes (metabolism)
• Mouth Mucosa (metabolism, pathology)
• Mouth Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)
• Toll-Like Receptor 2 (biosynthesis)