Inhibition of TLR4 represses proliferation and invasion ability of Raji lymphoma cells

: Objective To explore whether Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibits the proliferation and invasion of lymphoma cells through the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the down-regulation of Bcl2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Methods Raji cells were treated with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 at 10, 35, 60, 110, 170, 230 μmol/L for 2, 6, 24 hours. CCK-8 assay was used to select the optimal treatment concentration and time. The cells were then divided into control group and 10, 60 μmol/L TAK-242 (24-hour) groups. TranswellTM assay was performed to evaluate the cell invasion. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of TLR4 and NF-κBp65. Western blot analysis was used to test the protein levels of TLR4, NF-κBp65, Bcl2 and MMP-9. Results Compaired with the control group, the proliferation and invasion ablity of the Raji cells treated with TAK-242 (24 hour)apparently decreased. After the inhibition of TLR4, the mRNA and protein levels of NF-κBp65 were reduced, and the levels of Bcl2 and MMP-9 were also down-regualted. Conclusion Inhibition of TLR4 can decrease the proliferation and invation ability of lymphoma cells through the NF-κB pathway and the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and MMP-9 expression.