Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) and TGFβ-activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) Play Essential Roles in the C-type Lectin Receptor Signaling in Response to Candida albicans Infection

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and TGF beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) are considered as key intermediates in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. However, the role of TRAF6 and TAK1 in C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) in response to fungal infection has not been studied. In this study, we have utilized macrophages derived from TRAF6 knock-out mice and myeloid-specific TAK1-deficient mice and determined the role of TRAF6 and TAK1 in CLR-induced signal transduction events. We demonstrate that TRAF6 and TAK1 are required for NF-kappa B and JNK activation, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in response to Candida albicans infection. Our results highlight TRAF6 and TAK1 as key components in the signaling cascade downstream of C-type lectin receptors and as critical mediators of the anti-fungal immune response. Therefore, our studies provide a mechanistic understanding of the host immune response to C. albicans, which has a significant impact for the development of anti-fungal therapeutics and in understanding risk-factors and determining susceptibility to C. albicans infection.