Toll-Like Receptor 9 Is a Novel Biomarker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Dysplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression

Abstract

Expression of TLR9 in the basal parts of normal esophageal epithelium suggests a role related to cell proliferation and differentation. TLR9 upregulation detected in dysplastic epithelium and in disseminated carcinomas indicates that this protein may serve as a novel marker for esophageal squamous dysplasia and carcinoma with metastatic potential.