Overview:

DRAK2 is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family and is related to death-associated protein kinase that triggers apoptosis (1). DRAK2 is selectively important for T-cell survival and inhibition of DRAK2 has therapeutic potential for autoimmune disease (2). T-cell survival depends on a balance of T-cell receptor and co-stimulatory signals and deficiency of DRAK2 can affect autoimmune disease susceptibility without generalized suppression of the immune system (3).

References:

1. Sanjo, H. et.al: DRAKs, novel serine/threonine kinases related to death-associated protein kinase that trigger apoptosis. J. Biol. Chem. 273: 29066-29071, 1998.

2. Ramos, S. J. et.al: Enhanced T cell apoptosis within Drak2-deficient mice promotes resistance to autoimmunity. J. Immun. 181: 7606-7616, 2008.

3. McGargill, M. A. et.al: Drak2 regulates the survival of activated T cells and is required for organ-specific autoimmune disease. J. Immun. 181: 7593-7605, 2008.