IRAK4 exacerbates traumatic brain injury via activation of TAK1 signaling pathway

Although multiple signaling pathways contributing to the pathophysiological process have been investigated, treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) against present targets have not acquired significant clinical progress. Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is an important factor involved in regulating immunity and inflammation. However, the role of IRAK4 in TBI still remains largely unknown. Therefore, using a controlled cortical impact model (CCI), we investigated the function and molecular mechanism of IRAK4 in the context of TBI. IRAK4 was found to be activated in a time-dependent manner after TBI and mainly expressed in neurons. Inhibition of IRAK4 by siRNAs could significantly alleviates neuroinflammation, neuron apoptosis, brain edema, brain-blood barrier (BBB) dysfunction and improves neurological deficit in the context of CCI. Mechanistically, IRAK4 exacerbates CCI via activation of TAK1 signaling pathway. Interestingly, PF-0665083, an IRAK4 inhibitor, inhibits phosphorylation of IRAK4 and attenuates CCI-induced secondary injury. It could be conclude that IRAK4 plays a critical role in TBI-induced secondary injury and the underlining mechanism may be related to activation of TAK1 signaling pathway. PF-0665083 may serve as a potential treatment strategy to relieve TBI.