TLR4 and Stroke: The impact of genetic factors on cardiovascular diseases and stroke also differs by age.23,24 A monozygotic twin study showed that early death from CHD was influenced by genetic factors and that the effects decreased with age.41CD14 was the first gene to be implicated in susceptibility to atherosclerotic disease.42 Endogenous HSP60 and oxidized LDL-C bind TLR4/CD14 complexes and elicit inflammatory responses.8 CD14 signaling has a fundamental role in mediating activation of mononuclear cells and macrophages in response to human and chlamydial HSP60.43