Use of toll-like receptor agonist for treating cancer

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods and agents used for treating cancer in Toll-Like Receptor 5-expressing tissues by providing a Toll-Like Receptor agonist such as flagellin. The present invention also relates to protecting the liver from a liver toxicity using a Toll-like receptor agonist.

1 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of protecting liver tissue in a mammal from a liver toxicity, comprising administering an effective amount of a Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonist to a mammal in need thereof. 
     
     
         27 .- 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the liver toxicity is mediated by a death receptor signaling agonist. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the death receptor signaling agonist is selected from FAS, TRAIL, and TNFα. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the liver toxicity is mediated by an activator of FAS-mediated apoptosis. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the liver toxicity is mediated by one or more of a FAS ligand, a FAS agonistic antibody, acetaminophen, alcohol, a viral infection of the liver, and a chemotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TLR agonist is a flagellin. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TLR agonist is a flagellin derivative. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TLR agonist comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the TLR5 agonist is administered as a monotherapy.