TAK1, more than just innate immunity

Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key regulator of the innate immunity and the proinflammatory signaling pathway. In response to interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and toll-like receptor agonists, it mediates the activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 pathways. In addition, TAK1 plays a central role in adaptive immunity, in which it mediates signaling from T- and B-cell receptors. This review will focus on recent developments and also examine the regulation of TAK1 in response to a diverse range of other stimuli including DNA damage, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt, osmotic stress, and hypoxia.