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Toll-Like Receptor 4

Meaning

Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor expressed on the surface of various immune cells, playing a central role in the innate immune system’s initial response to pathogens and cellular damage. It functions as a sensor for specific molecular patterns, notably lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria, and various endogenous danger signals. Activation of TLR4 initiates a powerful pro-inflammatory signaling cascade, linking microbial exposure to systemic inflammation.