Overview:

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is an important mediator in the signal transduction of Toll-like receptor (TLR) and IL1R family members (1). IRAK4 is involved in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway leading to Apoptosis. IRAK4 has molecular functions like protein binding, ATP binding, kinase activity and magnesium ion binding. Toll/IL-1 receptor family members like IRAK4 are central components of host defense mechanisms in a variety of species (2). One well conserved element in their signal transduction is the Ser/Thr kinase activity which couple early signaling events in a receptor complex at the plasma membrane to larger signalosomes in the cytosol.

References:

1. Li, S. et al: IRAK-4: a novel member of the IRAK family with the properties of an IRAK-kinase. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2002; 99:5567-72.

2. Suzuki, N. et al: IRAK-4 as the central TIR signaling mediator in innate immunity. Trends Immunol. 2002; 23:503-6.