Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) were discovered more than 25 years ago and since then, their role in cancer has been under investigation. Research has primarily focused on the receptors located on the membrane of cancer cells and their impact on metabolism, intracellular signalling, and proliferation. Regarding the host response to cancer, studies have predominantly examined the relationship of thrombin receptors (PAR-1, PAR-3, and PAR-4) with blood clotting in distant metastatic spread. However, limited studies have examined the role of PARs, especially PAR-2, in the host anti-tumor immunity. This review article provides insights into the role of PAR-2 on cancer cells and immune competent cells involved in cancer development and progression. It also discussed the current knowledge of the importance of PAR-2 activation at various stages of cancer progression and its association with cancer-related pain.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mendel University in Brno Brno Czech Republic

Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine 3rd Medical Faculty Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Biophysics and Informatics 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Biophysics and Informatics 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic;

References provided by Crossref.org