MAP3K8

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 is a protein in humans that is encoded by MAP3K8 gene. Required for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced, TLR4-mediated activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in macrophages, thus being critical for production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha (TNF) during immune responses. Involved in the regulation of T-helper cell differentiation and IFNG expression in T-cells. Involved in mediating host resistance to bacterial infection through negative regulation of type I interferon (IFN) production. In vitro, activates MAPK/ERK pathway in response to IL1 in an IRAK1-independent manner, leading to up-regulation of IL8 and CCL4. Transduces CD40 and TNFRSF1A signals that activate ERK in B-cells and macrophages, and thus may play a role in the regulation of immunoglobulin production.