TIRP is a member of the Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) family, a group of proteins that include the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs are signaling molecules that recognize different pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and serve as an important link between the innate and adaptive immune responses. TIRP, along with other molecules such as TRIF, MAL, and MyD88, serves as an adaptor protein that allows for the interaction and activation of the IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK) family, the subsequent activation of TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-6, and ultimately the activation of NF-kappaB. Expression of TIRP appears to be essential for TLR4 signalling.