The primary function of CD14 is to act as a co-receptor along with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MD-2 in recognizing bacterial LPS. Upon binding to LPS, CD14 facilitates the activation of TLR4, which triggers an intracellular signaling cascade leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This process is fundamental for the initiation of the innate immune response against bacterial infections.
