TRAF Family Member-Associated NF-kappa-B Activator (TANK) Protein

Background

TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator (TANK) is an adaptor protein involved in the regulation of NF-kappa-B signaling pathways, which play crucial roles in immune and inflammatory responses, cell survival, and apoptosis. TANK functions as a scaffold protein that interacts with members of the TRAF family, such as TRAF2, TRAF3, and TRAF6, to modulate the activation of kinases like IKK (I-kappa-B kinase), which are critical for NF-kappa-B activation. It acts as a negative regulator in certain contexts by inhibiting overactivation of signaling pathways, thereby preventing excessive inflammatory responses. TANK is also implicated in antiviral immunity, as it participates in the regulation of type I interferon production through interactions with signaling components like TBK1 and IKKε. Dysregulation of TANK expression or mutations can contribute to immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions, where abnormal NF-kappa-B activity is a hallmark. TANK's role extends to maintaining homeostasis in B-cell development and antibody production, further highlighting its importance in adaptive immunity. Additionally, post-translational modifications of TANK, such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation, influence its activity and interactions, ensuring precise control of signaling dynamics in response to cellular and extracellular stimuli.