Interleukin Receptor-Associated Kinase (IRAK)

Interleukin receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are a family of serine-threonine protein kinases that play central roles in innate immune signaling, particularly downstream of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The human IRAK family includes four members: IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK3 (also known as IRAK-M), and IRAK4. Upon activation by IL-1 or TLR ligands, the intracellular domains of these receptors recruit adaptor proteins such as MyD88, leading to the recruitment and activation of the IRAKs. Activated IRAKs mediate signaling cascades that result in activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other immune response genes. Dysregulation or mutation can contribute to pathologies including cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation—and thus makes them attractive therapeutic targets.

Other names

IRAK1IRAK2IRAK3IRAK-MIRAK4

Kinase inhibition