As upstream toll-like receptors activate IRAK4, it phosphorylates IRAK1, stimulating downstream substrates by way of its kinase activity. This cascade leads to the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further research supports IRAK4 as an innate immunity target.
In these studies, IRAK knockout mice experienced little to no inflammation when stressed. Patients with IRAK4 mutations have issues with pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Compounds that regulate IRAK4 provide a potential avenue for small molecule drugs to treat inflammatory and immune disorders.
Some diseases associated with IRAK4 include cancer, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The Transcreener ADP2 Assay is an excellent tool for researchers examining the therapeutic effects of IRAK4.