TAOK1 negatively regulates IL-17-mediated signaling and inflammation

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is an important cytokine that can induce tissue inflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune diseases. However, the regulation of its signaling transduction has not been well described. In this study, we report that thousand and one kinase 1 (TAOK1) functions as a negative regulator of IL-17-mediated signal transduction and inflammation. TAOK1 knockdown promotes IL-17-induced cytokine and chemokine expression and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB. We further demonstrate that TAOK1 interacts with IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) independent of its kinase activity, and TAOK1 dose-dependently prevents the formation of the IL-17R-Act1 (nuclear factor activator 1, also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 interacting protein 2) complex. Consistent with this, TAOK1 deficiency exacerbates colitis in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-induced experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease, likely by its promotion of the IL-17-mediated signaling pathway. TAOK1 expression is decreased in the colons of ulcerative colitis patients. In conclusion, these findings suggest that TAOK1 is involved in the development of IL-17-related autoimmune disorders.