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. The TLR family of proteins are characterized by a highly conserved Toll homology (TH) domain, which is essential for Toll-induced signal transduction. TLR2 and TLR4 are activated in response to lipopolysacchride (LPS) stimulation, which results in the activation and translocation of NFkB and suggests that these receptors are involved in mediating inflammatory responses. Expression of TLR receptors is highest in peripheral blood leukocytes, macro-phages, and monocytes.
