TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) modulates inflammatory hyperalgesia by regulating MAP kinases and NF-κB dependent genes.

Background TANK-binding kinase (TBK1) is a non-canonical IκB kinase (IKK) involved in the regulation of type I interferons and of NF-κB signal transduction. It is activated by viral infections and inflammatory mediators and has therefore been associated with viral diseases, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. Its role in pain has not been investigated so far. Due to the important roles of NF-κB, classical IκB Kinases and the IKK-related kinase, IKKe, in inflammatory nociception, we hypothesized that TBK1, which is suggested to form a complex with IKKe under certain conditions, might also alter the inflammatory nociceptive response.