Signalling through members of the TNF receptor and IL-1/Toll-like receptor superfamilies regulates a variety of biological processes, including adaptive and innate immunity, development and stress responses. The TRAFs are a group of intracellular adapters that represent the major transducers for these receptors. They associate directly or indirectly with the receptor, acting as platforms for assembly of various signalling molecules. Hao Wu and co-workers discuss the biological functions of these adaptors and how specificity in their signalling is achieved. The TRAFs appear to have distinct roles —TRAF2, for example, has a cytoprotective role whereas TRAF6 is important for innate immunity to pathogens. This reflects the different preferences of TRAFs for interaction with different upstream receptors. Activation of distinct downstream signalling molecules, however, could also play an important part:Wu and co-workers suggest that, although both TRAF2 and TRAF6 stimulate the AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors, their use of distinct signalling intermediates results...

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