The TLRs form a family of ligand-binding proteins that engage a variety of microbial products, that on binding, activate signaling cascades leading to the synthesis of proinflammatory molecules. TLR13 is found in mouse and participates in the innate immune response to microbial agents. It acts via MYD88 and TRAF6, leading to NF-kappa-B activation, cytokine secretion and the inflammatory response.