Cd14 (cluster of differentiation 14) is a gene vital in the immune system’s inflammatory cascade. It is a cell membrane-bound glycoprotein that is largely expressed in monocytes, macrophages, and microglial cells. This protein is also a co-receptor of TLR4 (one of several toll-like receptors which are integral in innate immune responses), particularly in the detection and binding of lipopolysaccharides, or LPS, which are found on the membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Many studies have shown strong evidence linking Cd14 to alcohol. Deletion of Cd14, along with other neuroimmune genes such as Il6, decreased alcohol consumption in null mutant mice, which suggest that neuroimmune signaling plays a role in alcohol-related behaviors [7]. Alcohol also increases gut permeability to LPS [8], which is then detected by CD14 and activates the cell, initiating a proinflammatory cascade [9] and stimulating the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α. In addition to affecting the innate immune system through inflammatory changes, alterations in CD14 function by alcohol exposure are also associated with the neuroinflammation and brain damage associated with alcohol misuse [10]. Multiple studies have
