IRAK4

Interleukin-1 Receptor Associated Kinase-4 (IRAK4) plays an important role in the innate immune system and may also be important for cross-talk between the innate and adaptive immune systems. IRAK4 is a key signaling component downstream of both toll-like receptors and interleukin-1 receptor suggesting that it may have therapeutic value for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Inhibition of IRAK4 activity has been implicated in multiple diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Inhibitors of IRAK4 may also be useful for the treatment of certain leukemias and lymphomas. Ligand has identified orally available small molecule inhibitors of IRAK4 which are under investigation for use in cancer and autoimmune diseases.