Akt Contributes to Activation of the TRIF-Dependent Signaling Pathways of TLRs by Interacting with TANK-Binding Kinase 1

Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF) is an adaptor molecule that is recruited to TLR3 and -4 upon agonist stimulation and triggers activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and expression of type 1 IFNs, which are critical for cellular antiviral responses. We show that Akt is a downstream molecule of TRIF/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and plays an important role in the activation of IRF3 by TLR3 and -4 agonists. Blockade of Akt by a dominant-negative mutant or by short interfering RNA decreased IRF3 activation and IFN-beta expression induced by polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid [poly(I: C)], LPS, TRIF, and TBK1. Association of endogenous TBK1 and Akt was observed in macrophages when stimulated with poly(I: C) and LPS. In vitro kinase assays combined with reversed-phase liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that TBK1 enhanced phosphorylation of Akt on Ser(473), whereas knockdown of TBK1 expression by short interfering RNA in macrophages decreased poly(I: C)and LPS-induced Akt phosphorylation. Embryonic fibroblasts derived from TBK1 knockout mice also showed impaired Akt phosphorylation in response to poly(I: C) and LPS. To our knowledge, our results demonstrate a new regulatory mechanism for Akt activation mediated by TBK1 and a novel role of Akt in TLR-mediated immune responses. The Journal of Immunology, 2011, 186: 499-507.