Inhibition of TLR7 and TLR9 Reduces Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Tumor Development.

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key players in innate immunity and modulation of TLR signaling has been demonstrated to profoundly affect proliferation and growth in different types of cancer. However, the role of TLRs in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) pathogenesis remains largely unexplored.

Aims: We set out to determine if TLRs play any role in ICCs which could potentially make them useful treatment targets.

Modified cantilever arrays improve sensitivity and reproducibility of nanomechanical sensing in living cells.

Mechanical signaling involved in molecular interactions lies at the heart of materials science and biological systems, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we use nanomechanical sensors and intact human cells to provide unique insights into the signaling pathways of connectivity networks, which deliver the ability to probe cells to produce biologically relevant, quantifiable and reproducible signals. We quantify the mechanical signals from malignant cancer cells, with 10 cells per ml in 1000-fold excess of non-neoplastic human epithelial cells.

Effect of toll-like receptor 7 and 9 targeted therapy to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: Chronic liver disease is a predisposing factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Toll-like receptors play a crucial role in immunity against microbial pathogens and recent evidence suggests that they may also be important in pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TLR7 and TLR9 are potential targets for prevention and progression of HCC.