Overview:

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK2) is important downstream signaling components of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (1). IRAKs were first described as signal transducers for IL-1 and later have been implicated in signal transduction of other members of the Toll/IL-1 receptor family. The interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling pathway leads to NFkB activation in mammals. To date, four mammalian IRAKs have been identified (IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK4, and IRAKM) (2). It is believed that IRAK-2 could be an additional therapeutic target for inhibiting IL-1-induced inflammation.

References:

1. Muzio, M. et al: IRAK (Pelle) family member IRAK-2 and MyD88 as proximal mediators of IL-1 signaling. Science. 1997;278:1612-5.

2. Wesche, H. et al: IRAK-M is a novel member of the Pelle/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family. J. Biol. Chem. 1999; 274:19403-10.