Serum TLR2 and TLR9 in Prostate Cancer Patients in Relation to EBV Status

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 21;25(16):9053. doi: 10.3390/ijms25169053.

Abstract

The relationship between Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and prostate cancer (PCa) is complex due to the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which has been identified as a predisposing factor for some cancers, including PCa. The present study aims to investigate these complex links by examining the levels of selected TLRs and the potential impact of EBV infection on PCa. Therefore, we examined the serum of patients with PCa. The study compared EBV(+) patients to risk groups, the Gleason score (GS), and the T-trait. Additionally, the correlation between TLR and antibody levels was examined. The results indicated that higher levels of TLR-2 and TLR-9 were observed in more advanced PCa. The findings of this study may contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of viral infections in PCa and provide information on future strategies for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these malignancies.

Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus; TLR-2; TLR-9; prostate cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / blood
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / virology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2* / blood
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2* / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9*

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 2
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9
  • TLR9 protein, human
  • TLR2 protein, human