Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is Toll/interleukin (IL)-1 (TIR)-domain containing adapter protein which plays a crucial role in TLR signaling. All TLRs except TLR3 can initiate downstream signaling through MyD88. In the MyD88-dependent pathway, once the adaptor is bound to TLR it leads to recruitment of proteins of the IL1 receptor associated kinase family - IRAK, followed by activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). TRAF6 is an ubiquitin E3 ligase which in turn induces autophosphorylation of TGF-beta activating kinase 1 (TAK1). Activated TAK1 can ultimately mediate the induction of transcription factor NF-kB or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), such as JNK, p38 and ERK. This results in the translocation of the activated NF-kB and MAPKs to the nucleus and the initiation of appropriate gene transcription leading to the production of many proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides.

The chicken MyD88 gene was cloned and its expression was detected in cecum, heart, spleen, liver, kidney, female reproductive tract, thymus and bursa. Over-expression of chicken MyD88 (299aa) significantly stimulated the activation of NF-kB in vitro.