Functional Importance of TRAF6-Binding Motif in IL -1 Mediated Signal Transduction

Crystal structure of TRAF6 in complex with TRAF6-binding sites from CD40 was previously determined. The structure revealed a distinct TRAF6-binding groove of CD40. the key structural determinant of interaction. The structural information leads to a proposed TRAF6-binding motif. This allows the identification of TRAF6-binding sequences in the hlRAK protein, whose functional requirement in IL-1 mediated signal transduction is further demonstrated using site-directed mutagenesis. The mutational in IL-1 mediated signal transduction is further dimonstrated using site-directed mutagenesis. The mutational effects of hlRAK on the down-stream NF-${\kappa}$ signaling shows the importance of the TRAF6 interface for signaling by IL-1.