Toll‐like receptor 4 in atherosclerosis

Introduction Toll‐like receptor 4 structure and its functions TLR4 expression in atherosclerotic lesions Endothelial cells Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) Adventitial fibroblasts Dendritic cells (DCs) Macrophages Role of TLR4 in atherosclerosis TLR4 in early atherosclerotic lesion TLR4 in advanced atherosclerotic lesion TLR4 in plaque rupture TLR4 in arterial remodelling TLR4 polymorphisms in atherosclerosis Conclusion Abstract Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is key regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR4 recognizes pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activates the inflammatory cells. The function of TLR4 in atherosclerosis has been investigated in mouse knockout studies and epidemiological studies of human TLR4 polymorphisms. These studies have shown that TLR4 function affects the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This article reviews the biological functions and clinical implications of TLR4 in atherosclerosis.