Expressional correlation of Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) with angiogenic factors and anti-apoptotic markers in cervical cancer cells

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently occurring oncological malignancies which in turn is attributed with the chronic persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV). Recent explorations into cancer immunobiology have elucidated that innate immune response are important for proliferation of cancerous cells. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), belonging to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family of innate immune receptors have been reported for their expression in various cancers, where they aid cancer cell proliferation along with tumor development. The present study focuses on investigating TLR9 mRNA within HPV18+ HeLa (cervical cancer cells) and its correlation with angiogenic factors and anti-apoptotic markers. The expression of TLR9 mRNA was substantially higher in HeLa cancer cells in comparison with normal kidney cells. MTT assay demonstrated that treatment with CpG ODN significantly increased the proliferation in dose-dependent manner. Augmented levels of cell percentage within G2/M phase was also recorded post CpG ODN treatment within HeLa cells. qRT-PCR analysis also elucidated elevated levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, COX-2, VEGF, and TLR9 within HeLa cells. Thus, to conclude, our study established that HeLa cells have increased TLR9 mRNA expression concomitant with elevated COX-2, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and VEGF. These results indicate toward potential applicability of targeting TLR9 as a therapeutical intervention for the treatment and management of this pernicious malignancy.