The role of the innate immune response in HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancer

Introduction. During the last 20 years, the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is increased. Principal actors of the innate immune response against HPV are represented by the TLRs (Toll like receptors). On the other hand different studies have reported that HPV can directly inhibit the functions of the TLRs pathway through interferons (IFNs). There are very few preliminary studies on the role of TLRs mediated HPV clearance in human oncology. Our study aim has been to evaluate whether TLR4 identifies HR-HPV integration state in OSCC. Methods. Protein levels of TLR4 in OSCC were assessed using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). In situ hybridization (ISH) for HPV-DNA detection in morph…