| Background |
SINTBAD, identified based on homology to NAP1, is an adaptor protein for TBK1 and IKKε, two related kinases that play a pivotal role in innate immune response These kinases trigger the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of the transcription factor IRF-3, resulting in gene regulation required for immune responses The precise mechanism by which SINTBAD activates TBK1 and IKKε is still unclear. Expression of a central region of SINTBAD termed a TBD (TBK binding domain) can function as a dominant negative protein and interfere with IRF-3 activation. SINTBAD and NAP1 can also bind to NDP52, a protein that associates with poly-ubiquitinated proteins, such as those produced on the surfaces of bacteria, and can trigger autophagy.
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