Minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein activates Toll-like receptor-4 on the cytomembrane of macrophage,signal adapter molecule: spleen tyrosine kinase,and the downstream signal pathway,leading to cytoskeleton rearrangement,fluid phase uptake,reactive oxygen species generation,and proinflammatory cytokine secretion,which promotes the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore,signal molecules in this pathway may become new targets in the treatment of atherosclerosis.