Toll-like Receptor 9 Promotes Initiation of Gastric Tumorigenesis by Augmenting Inflammation and Cellular Proliferation
Ke Tang, Louise McLeod, Thaleia Livis, Alison C. West, Ruby Dawson, Liang Yu, Jesse J. Balic, Michelle Chonwerawong, Georgie Wray‐McCann, Hiroko Oshima, Masanobu Oshima, Virginie Deswaerte, Richard L. Ferrero, Brendan J. Jenkins
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastric cancer (GC) is strongly linked with chronic gastritis after Helicobacter pylori infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key innate immune pathogenic sensors that mediate chronic inflammatory and oncogenic responses. Here, we investigated the role of TLR9 in the pathogenesis of GC, including Helicobacter infection. METHODS: primary gastric epithelial cells was also evaluated. RESULTS: GECs augmented their proliferation and viability. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that TLR9 promotes the initiating stages of GC and facilitates Helicobacter-induced gastric inflammation and hyperplasia, thus providing in vivo evidence for TLR9 as a candidate therapeutic target in GC.