Role of TBK1 Inhibition in Targeted Therapy of Cancer

Title:Role of TBK1 Inhibition in Targeted Therapy of Cancer

Volume: 24 Issue: 10

Author(s): Xueqing Yang and Zongliang Liu*

Affiliation:

• School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China

Keywords: TBK1, signaling pathways, cancer, immune, metabolic, inflammatory, inhibitors.

Abstract: TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a serine/threonine protein that plays a crucial role in various biological processes like immunity, autophagy, cell survival, and proliferation. The level and kinase activity of the TBK1 protein is regulated through post-translational modifications (PTMs). TBK1 mainly mediates the activation of IRF3/7 and NF-κB signaling pathways while also participating in the regulation of cellular activities such as autophagy, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell proliferation. TBK1 regulates immune, metabolic, inflammatory, and tumor occurrence and development within the body through these cellular activities. TBK1 kinase has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for tumor immunity. However, its molecular mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The identification of selective TBK1 small molecule inhibitors can serve as valuable tools for investigating the biological function of TBK1 protein and also as potential drug candidates for tumor immunotherapy. The current research progress indicates that some TBK1 inhibitors (compounds 15,16 and 21) exhibit certain antitumor effects in vitro culture systems. Here, we summarize the mechanism of action of TBK1 in tumors in recent years and the progress of small molecule inhibitors of TBK1.

Cite this article as:

Yang Xueqing and Liu Zongliang*, Role of TBK1 Inhibition in Targeted Therapy of Cancer, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2024; 24 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0113895575271977231115062803