Toll-like receptor 4

TLR4. One in a family of receptors that provide critical links between immune stimulants produced by microorganisms and the initiation of host defenses.

Abbreviated TLR4. TLR4 is a transmembrane lipopolysaccharide receptor.

Activation of it causes the release of antimicrobial peptides, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and costimulatory molecules that initiate the innate immune response to common gram-negative bacteria.

TLR4 also interacts with respiratory syncytial virus, heat-shock proteins, fibronectin, fibrinogen, and hyaluronic acid.