The progenitor cells, i.e. lgr5+ cells, expand into the esophagus accompanied by chronic inflammation, thereby causing metaplasia and dysplasia Meanwhile, the intestinal microbiota promotes the development of esophageal cancer by activating IL-8 via TLR signaling, which has an impact on the immune system and activates granulocytic myeloid cells 69. This evidence concerns the gene LGR5 and esophageal cancer.