Interferon regulatory factor 6 differentially regulates toll-like receptor 2-dependent chemokine gene expression in epithelial cells

Abstract

Epidermal and mucosal epithelial cells are integral to host defense. They not only act as a physical barrier but also utilize pattern recognition receptors, such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to detect and respond to pathogens. Members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors are key components of TLR signaling as they impart specificity to downstream responses. Although IRF6 is a critical regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, its role in TLR signaling has not previously been addressed. We show here that IRF6 is activated by IRAK1 as well as by MyD88 but not by TRIF or TBK1. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments further demonstrate..