HMGB1: a two-headed signal regulating tumor progression and immunity.
Cells of the innate immune system sense tissue damage recognizing in the extracellular environment bona fide intracellular moieties, like high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In the case of tumors, HMGB1 recognition has a paradoxical dual effect: it promotes tumor neoangiogenesis and triggers protective anti-neoplastic T-cell responses. Recent advances in the study of HMGB1 have identified candidate molecular mechanisms underlying these apparently contrasting outcomes. A surprising role for innate receptors, including toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), in the response to conventional cancer radio and chemotherapy has also recently emerged, providing new insight into the mechanisms by which these treatments actually work.
Campana
Lara
L
Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT 3A1, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
Bosurgi
Lidia
L
Rovere-Querini
Patrizia
P
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D024243:HMGB1 Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000067759:Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D024243:HMGB1 Protein; D000067759:Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors