Remote control of intestinal tumorigenesis by innate immunity

Abstract

Chronic intestinal inflammation has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer. Recent studies suggest that during chronic inflammation, the innate immune system may facilitate colon tumorigenesis in genetically predisposed individuals in response to certain indigenous microorganisms and/or cell remnants. In these individuals, therapeutic approaches that reroute the innate immune system's inflammatory and antimicrobial activities might help prevent colon tumorigenesis and metastasis.