These factors drive expression of numerous target genes, ultimately leading to production of cytokines and other factors with anti-apoptotic, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging, and tissue-regenerative activities, which together protect normal cells from stresses such as radiation2–6, ischemia-reperfusion injury7, graft-versus-host disease8, etc. Additionally, TLR5 activation has immunostimulatory effects that support use of TLR5 agonists as vaccine adjuvants9 and for treatment of cancer and inflammatory syndromes4,10–12. The gene discussed is TLR5; the disease is cancer.