The role of Toll-like receptors in chronic B cell malignancies

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are key players in host defence from infection. They recognize a specific set of molecular patterns of microbial origin, immediately trigger an innate immune response, and bridge innate and adaptive immunity. TLR have also been shown to play a role in tumor development. In this context, chronic B-cell malignancies are an interesting example as clonal B lymphocytes remain responsive to and dependent on stimuli originating from the microenvironment which then become crucial for maintaining and propagating the disease. Emerging evidences suggest that, among other microenvironmental elements, TLR ligands may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic B-cell lymphoid malignancies. Conceivably, their manipulation may find a place in specific settings of treatment of these tumors.