Lymphotoxin's link to carcinogenesis: Friend or foe? from lymphoid neogenesis to hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was initially discovered due to its tumor necrotizing activity in mice, leading to the death of vascular endothelial cells. Today, pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects of TNF are discussed and TNF as well as other members of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF) were described to play an important role in the development and maintenance of lymphoid tissue and inflammatory reactions. Notably, recent reports indicate a pivotal role of lymphotoxin (LT), a closely related cytokine, in controlling the development of liver and prostate cancer or nasopharyngeal carcinoma - however by distinct mechanisms. Here, we review the pleiotropic functions attributed to LT, the effects of its deregulation and discuss recent literature on LT's link to cancer. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.