Serine/threonine-protein kinase TBK1 (TBK1)

Serine/threonine kinase that plays a vital role in regulating inflammatory responses to foreign agents. Following activation of toll-like receptors by viral or bacterial components, associates with TRAF3 and TANK and phosphorylates interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) IRF3 and IRF7 as well as DDX3X.

This action allows subsequent homodimerization and nuclear translocation of the IRFs leading to transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory and antiviral genes such as IFNA and IFNB. So as to establish this antiviral state, TBK1 form several diverse complexes whose composition is dependent upon the type of cell and cellular stimuli.