Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8)

Required for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced, TLR4- mediated activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in macrophages, thus being crucial for production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF- alpha (TNF) during immune responses. Involved in the regulation of T-helper cell differentiation and IFNG expression in T-cells.

Involved in mediating host resistance to bacterial infection through negative regulation of type I interferon (IFN) production. In vitro, activates MAPK/ERK pathway in response to IL1 in an IRAK1-independent fashion, leading to up-regulation of IL8 and CCL4.