The IRAK4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays an important role in innate immunity, which is the body’s early, nonspecific response to foreign invaders (pathogens). The IRAK-4 protein is part of a signaling pathway that is involved in early recognition of pathogens and the initiation of inflammation to fight infection.
In particular, the IRAK-4 protein relays signals from proteins called Toll-like receptors and IL-1 receptor-related proteins. As one of the first lines of defense against infection, Toll-like receptors recognize patterns that are common to many pathogens, rather than recognizing specific pathogens, and stimulate a quick immune response. The IL-1 receptor and related proteins recognize immune system proteins called cytokines that signal the need for an immune response. The resulting signaling pathway triggers inflammation, a nonspecific immune response that helps fight infection.
Other Names
interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4; IPD1; IRAK-4; IRAK4_HUMAN; NY-REN-64; REN64
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 51135
- OMIM: 606883
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
