Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon (IKBKE)

Serine/threonine kinase that plays an essential role in regulating inflammatory responses to viral infection, through the activation of the type I IFN, NF-kappa-B and STAT signaling. After activation of viral RNA detectors, such as RIG- I-like receptors, partners with DDX3X and phosphorylates interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), IRF3 and IRF7, as well as DDX3X.

This action allows subsequent homodimerization and nuclear translocation of the IRF3 resulting in transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory and antiviral genes such as IFNB. In order to establish such an antiviral state, IKBKE forms a number of diverse complexes whose composition depends on the type of cell and cellular stimuli.