TLR4

Toll-like receptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TLR4 gene.TLR 4 is a toll-like receptor which is responsible for activating the innate immune system. It is most well-known for recognizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Gram-negative bacteria, but its ligands also include several viral proteins, polysaccharide, and a variety of endogenous proteins such as low-density lipoprotein, beta-defensins, and heat shock protein.

TLR 4 has also been designated as CD284 (cluster of differentiation 284). The molecular weight of TLR 4 is approximately 95 kDa.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, which plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are expressed on infectious agents, and mediate the production of cytokines necessary for the development of effective immunity.