TICAM-1, also known as TRIF, is an intracellular adaptor protein utilized by TLR3 and TLR4. TLR3 recognizes double stranded viral RNA and induces TICAM-1 mediated type I interferon production. The N-terminal region of TICAM-1 recruits TBK1 and IKKi, which in turn phosphorylates the interferon regulatory transcription factor IRF3. The phosphorylated IRF3 is subsequently dimerized and translocates to the nucleus, resulting in transcriptional activation of the gene encoding IFN-β. Mice lacking in TICAM-1 expression are defective in the TLR3 mediated induction of proinflamatory cytokines, suggesting that TICAM-1 is crucial for TLR3 downstream signaling. TICAM-1 also mediates TLR4-induced signaling in the presence of the adaptor molecule TRAM. The C-terminal region of TICAM-1 recruits RIP1 and induces apoptosis through FADD/caspase cascade.