Multifunctional protein that is required for efficient pedestal formation in host epithelial cells during infection. The extracellular region acts as a receptor for bacterial intimin, allowing the bacterium to attach tightly to the host-cell surface. Simultaneously, the intracellular region initiates a signaling cascade in the host cell, which leads to actin polymerization and formation of actin pedestals at the sites of bacterial adhesion (By similarity). Interacts with intimin and host proteins. Secreted via the type III secretion system (TTSS). Released into the host cytoplasm via TTSS and then independently inserts into the plasma membrane from a cytoplasmic location. In host cells, localizes to the tip of the actin pedestal (By similarity). Phosphorylated by host kinases. Belongs to the Tir receptor family.