Retraction: Blocking TLR2 Activity Attenuates Pulmonary Metastases of Tumor

Abstract

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After this article [1] was published, concerns were raised regarding results presented in Figs 1 and 2.

Specifically,

The co-first author BC stated that errors occurred in the preparation of Fig 1E, and that the H7402 Vector panel is incorrect.

Regarding Fig 2F, the co-first author BC stated that errors occurred in the figure preparation and that the IgG, IL-6, IL-10, and Pam3Cys+IL-6 Ab panels are incorrect. The authors provided replacement images for the incorrect panels in Fig 2F from the time of the original experiments, as well as two sets of repeat data for Fig 2F conducted after the original experiments.

A member of the PLOS One Editorial Board reviewed the Fig 2F concerns and the replacement and repeat data, and they raised several concerns regarding this figure and the provided data. Specifically:

In response to the above additional concerns raised with Fig 2F, the co-first author BC stated that a nuclear counterstain was not used in the two sets of repeat experiments conducted after the original experiments in order to replicate the same conditions as the original experiments in the article. They stated that the ratio of nuclear and cytoplasmic Stat3 distribution can be determined from morphological differences. The PLOS One Editors consider the above additional concerns regarding Fig 2F unresolved.

In light of the extent of the above concerns that question the reliability and reproducibility of the reported results and conclusions in [1], the PLOS One Editors retract this article.

BC responded but expressed neither agreement nor disagreement with the editorial decision. HZY, HZL, SM, JY, HMY, FH, HL, WFC, WJX, XXL, XXW, BMX, QMZ, and ZWH either did not respond directly or could not be reached.