Expression of NF-κB and TLR-4 is associated with the occurrence, progression and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: As a crucial regulator of inflammation and immune responses, the NF-κB transcription factor regulates the transcription of target genes which are closely related with cell survival, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. The toll-like receptor (TLR) family is critical in aiding pathogen recognition and the subsequent activation of innate immunity. TLR4, one of the TLR family members, is the main receptor of innate immunity and functions to identify pathogens.