Toll-like receptors and cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the tumour microenvironment plays an important role in the progression of cancer. The microenvironment may promote tumour cell survival and proliferation or, alternatively may induce tumour cell apoptosis. Toll-like receptors are transmembrane proteins, expressed on immune cells and epithelial cells, that recognise exogenous and endogenous macromolecules. Once activated they initiate signalling pathways leading to the release of cytokines and chemokines which recruit immune cells inducing further cytokine production, the production of angiogenic mediators and growth factors, all of which may influence tumour progression.This paper examines the actions of toll-like receptors in carcinogenesis with particular emphasis on their role in oral squamous cell carcinom