Open Access

Role of Toll‑like receptors in natural killer cell function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Janet Gallardo‑Zapata
    • Carmen Maldonado‑Bernal
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  • Published online on: August 24, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2021.13009
  • Article Number: 748
  • Copyright: © Gallardo‑Zapata et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are specialized lymphocytes primarily involved in the response to infection and tumors. NK cells are characterized by the presence of specific surface molecules, as well as a wide repertoire of receptors that impart microenvironment‑dependent effector functions. Among these receptors, Toll‑like receptors (TLRs) can be activated to condition the NK response to either a cytotoxic or immunoregulatory phenotype. However, cellular function is frequently impaired during disorders such as cancer. In the last decade, it has become increasingly evident that the stimulation of NK cells is a requirement for their increased cytotoxic activity. TLR activation has been suggested as an alternative route for reestablishing the antitumor activity of NK cells. The present review summarizes the characteristics of NK cells, their receptors, the expression and function of NK cell TLRs, and their functional status in cancer, primarily acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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November-2021
Volume 22 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1792-1074
Online ISSN:1792-1082

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Spandidos Publications style
Gallardo‑Zapata J and Gallardo‑Zapata J: Role of Toll‑like receptors in natural killer cell function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Review). Oncol Lett 22: 748, 2021
APA
Gallardo‑Zapata, J., & Gallardo‑Zapata, J. (2021). Role of Toll‑like receptors in natural killer cell function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Review). Oncology Letters, 22, 748. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2021.13009
MLA
Gallardo‑Zapata, J., Maldonado‑Bernal, C."Role of Toll‑like receptors in natural killer cell function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Review)". Oncology Letters 22.5 (2021): 748.
Chicago
Gallardo‑Zapata, J., Maldonado‑Bernal, C."Role of Toll‑like receptors in natural killer cell function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Review)". Oncology Letters 22, no. 5 (2021): 748. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2021.13009