Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Kinase 2 (MAP4K2)

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 2 is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family. Although this kinase is found in many tissues, its expression in lymphoid follicles is restricted to the cells of germinal centre, where it may participate in B-cell differentiation. This kinase can be activated by TNF-alpha, and has been shown to specifically activate MAP kinases.This kinase is also found to interact with TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which is involved in the activation of MAP3K1/MEKK1.Highly expressed in germinal center but not mantle zone B-cells. Also expressed in lung, brain and placenta and at lower levels in other tissues examined.