Tianjin Medical Journal ›› 2026, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (5): 550-555.doi: 10.11958/20253005

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Research progress on Toll-like receptor agonists and their application in tumor vaccines

XU Tong1(), YANG Xingwang2, LIU Yonghui2△()   

  1. 1 First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300073, China
    2 School of Chemistry, Tiangong University
  • Received:2025-09-23 Revised:2025-12-31 Published:2026-05-15 Online:2026-05-13
  • Contact: E-mail:liuyonghui@tiangong.edu.cn

Abstract:

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, when used as adjuvants in tumor vaccines, can effectively activate the innate immune response and enhance antitumor immune responses. By specifically recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns, they activate downstream signaling pathways, promote the maturation and antigen presentation of dendritic cells, and thereby induce strong cellular immunity. Various TLR agonists have shown potential in tumor vaccines to enhance immunogenicity, reverse immune suppression and synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article reviews the classification, mechanism of action and research progress of TLR agonists in tumor vaccines, aiming to provide a reference for tumor immunotherapy.

Key words: Toll-like receptors, tumor vaccines, agonists, adjuvants, antitumor

CLC Number: