Toll-like receptor 4: A potential link between “danger signals,” the innate immune system, and preeclampsia?

TLR-4 protein expression is increased in interstitial trophoblasts of patients with preeclampsia. We propose that “danger signals” at the feto-maternal interface, which are recognized by trophoblasts through TLR-4, may play a key role in the creation of a local abnormal cytokine milieu. This suggests a novel mechanism that links the activation of the innate immune system through TLR-4 and preeclampsia.